Ethiopian children seek global commitment to prevent child mortality

June 17, 2010 (ADIS ABABA) – Ethiopian children called on global leaders to Step up their Action in support to African countries to prevent unnecessary child deaths, Save the Children said.

The children made the call on Wednesday here in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, in connection with Day of the African Child marked across the continent.

The children called on the leaders, who will come together three times in the next 100 days – at the G8 in June, the African Union in July and the UN Summit in September to support African countries to meet the Abuja pledge of 2001 ensuring that 15 per cent of national budgets are dedicated for health, ensuring that the required resources to prevent child and maternal deaths in Africa are available.

A statement by the child welfare agency said the children took part in a nationally broadcast radio discussion with government representatives and experts from Save the Children on the subject of child and maternal deaths in Africa. Hundreds of others took part in awareness raising events.

In Sub Saharan Africa 4.5 million children still die every year before their fifth birthday, mainly from diseases that are easy to prevent or cure.

At least 12 million young lives will be saved if the Millennium Development Goal of reducing child deaths by two thirds by 2015 gets back on track by the end of the 100 day period, the statement said.

(ST)