World Vision India launches campaign to help India's children 'survive five'

A part of World Vision’s global initiative to garner attention on child health, the campaign focuses on preventing child mortality below five years. A child’s fifth birthday, in particular, is a milestone that more than 6.6 million children every year do not live to see, due to malnutrition.

World Vision’s campaign aims to be a movement that brings together people, organisations, governments and businesses to work with renewed focus and energy.

The campaign is claimed have more events that would appeal to different categories of audiences in order to spread the message across the country, including plays, sports events, school presentations, exhibitions, rallies, marathons and flash mobs.

Organised as part of the global campaign to end preventable child deaths, this is one of over 500 events being conducted across the country by World Vision India between the May 19 to May 26 to raise awareness of the issues and encourage world leaders to act now.

The under-five mortality rate in India has decreased over the last decade, to 52 per 1000 live births compared to 85 in 2003, while the infant mortality has decreased from 60 in 2003 to 42 in 2013. More children died during their early days of life, within the first month of birth.

“Not just me, but other women in the village have also become aware about caring more for our children.  We ensure timely immunization of our children and avail all the government facilities entitled for our children,” says Mamta, a young mother from Narsingh Pur, Madhya Pradesh.

Dr Jayakumar Christian, CEO and National Director, World Vision India pointed out that Child Health Now is not just about a week of action but about yet another opportunity to promote and drive sustained dialogue and action.