Global Child Deaths Down, America Plays Key Role, Save the Children Says

WESTPORT, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new report says annual child deaths are under 7 million for the first time, and Save the Children says U.S. leadership played a major role.

“The new estimates show that efforts to get proven lifesaving care to children work. In the 21st century, children no longer need to die from preventable causes”

But the international aid agency urged Americans to voice support for such efforts now, as looming budget battles could threaten continued progress. A new United Nations report says 6.9 million children under 5 died in 2011, mostly from preventable causes.

Save the Children has launched its Every Beat Matters campaign to give Americans easy and concrete ways to help save children’s lives.

“The new estimates show that efforts to get proven lifesaving care to children work. In the 21^st century, children no longer need to die from preventable causes,” said Carolyn Miles, President & CEO of Save the Children.

“But low-cost lifesaving solutions still aren’t reaching the mothers, newborns and children who need them most. Every American can help change that.”

The Every Beat Matters campaign features OneRepublic’s new single “Feel Again,” which opens with a child’s heartbeat. The song was inspired by heartbeats of healthy children in Guatemala and Malawi who are cared for by health workers trained through U.S. support.

“Feel Again” can be downloaded at www.EveryBeatMatters.org and a portion of proceeds benefit Save the Children. Visitors can also send a letter to Congress and share videos, stories and heartbeat-inspired Tweets to build momentum in the fight against child deaths.

“It may seem daunting, but Americans should know their country has been a leader in efforts to save millions of children, and as individuals they can help save those who still die,” Miles said.

“But if people don’t speak up now, Congress could slash the tiny part of the budget that is helping some of the world’s poorest countries dramatically reduce child deaths.”

The leading causes of child death are pneumonia, premature birth, diarrhea, childbirth complications and malaria. Every Beat Matters champions training and supporting frontline health workers who can treat and prevent these causes of death in their own communities.

Save the Children is the leading, independent organization that creates lasting change for children in need in the United States and around the world. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.