Frequently asked questions

Is it true that over ten million children around the world die each year from preventable diseases?
According to the UNICEF publication, State of the World's Children 2001, every year some 10.6 million children die mainly from preventable or treatable diseases, such as measles, diarrhea, and pneumonia. UNICEF's data is derived from various sources, including governments, surveys and other UN agencies.

What is the US Coalition for Child Survival?
The Coalition is comprised of organizations and individuals dedicated to improving the survival and healthy development of the world's children. Founding Coalition members include Save the Children, the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, the Academy for Educational Development, the Global Health Council, Bread for the World, and the US Fund for UNICEF. The Coalition works to increase public and private funding for child survival, share best practices between organizations in the field and establish linkages between groups focusing on diseases that kill children. We do this by providing information and serving as a resource for child survival advocates. The Coalition sponsors regional global health forums, seminars and briefings to educate policy makers, the public and the media about child survival.

Why child survival?
Over 10 million children in the developing world die each year before reaching the age of five. Most of these children die from diseases we know how to prevent or cure, such as measles, pneumonia and diarrhea. Over the next 10 years, an additional 15 million children can be saved by initiatives focused on increasing basic immunization rates and access to essential vitamins and nutrients, and by reducing hunger and malnutrition. Protecting children from disease and malnutrition increases their ability to learn and thrive, while ensuring the health of the next generation.

Is this a realistic goal?
This is indeed an attainable figure. The Coalition seeks to save 15 million children over the next ten yearsin addition to the lives already being saved by programs such as Save the Children and CARE. For example, by increasing the childhood immunization rate by 15 percent, two million more children per year will live past the age of five. Providing access to Vitamin A for at least 80 percent of children (versus 45 percent currently receiving supplementation) will save one million more children's lives annually.

Why should Americans care about children's health overseas?
Healthy children and adults create a healthy, economically stable world. Children born today in every corner of the globe deserve the chance to live beyond age five. Americans have a long history of helping people in need, particularly children, both at home and overseas. Addressing easily preventable and treatable diseases will also save the United States and other nations money and manpower in the long run, and produce a global citizenry capable of meeting the challenges of the future.

Does the Coalition address education?
Child survival and basic education go hand in hand. However, to focus resources most effectively, the US Coalition's primary aim is to improve the health and survival of children. Meanwhile, we support the efforts of another similar coalition addressing education, and some US Coalition member organizations are active in both efforts.

Does the Coalition support a political agenda?
The Coalition¹s agenda is saving children's lives and making child survival a more important priority. We do not support a specific political platform or philosophy. Our mission cuts across the political spectrum and is supported by both Republicans and Democrats.

Does the Coalition promote abortion?
We advocate safe and effective maternal health services including: safe pregnancy, childbirth and newborn care to improve the health and survival of both mothers and infants. The Coalition does not take a position on abortion.

Are you involved in HIV/AIDS issues?
The effect of HIV/AIDS on children is a critical issue, and one of the areas of focus for the Coalition. The fact that millions of children are being orphaned each year due to AIDS is a significant problem that cannot be overlooked. Statistics indicate that children orphaned before the age of five are at a greater risk of dying young.

How is the Coalition funded?
The funding we receive from private foundations supports the work of the Coalition, including educational forums and seminars, materials, and professional staff. We do not solicit personal contributions, nor do we sponsor individual children. Rather, the Coalition serves to establish linkages between organizations helping children in developing countries around the world.