childhood mortality

A child or youth died every 4.4 seconds in 2021. That number could get worse

2:46pm January 10, 2023

by Susan Brink

A new U.N. report shows that child mortality rates are declining, but the yearly improvements have slowed. And the drop-off in childhood vaccinations during the pandemic causes concern for the future.

To help keep weak swimmers safe, stay "touch-close" and don't rely on a busy lifeguard to be the only eyes on a crowded pool or beach. It's best, say experts working to prevent drownings, to designate a nondrinking adult to scan the water at any pool part

You Could Save A Child From Drowning This Summer. Here's How

7:00am July 03, 2021

by Kristen Kendrick

A swimmer of any skill level might need your help, and preventing a drowning takes closer supervision of the kids than you might think. The distress signs can be subtle and quick.

Ezhil Arasi (left) and Ranjith Kumar. The pandemic kept her from her pregnancy checkups. Their baby was born with an intestinal blockage that required surgery and died during the procedure. Doctors told Ranjith that if his wife had been examined regularly

Health & Safety

India's Crusade To Save Babies And Moms In The Pandemic

9:56am April 13, 2021

by Kamala Thiagarajan

A UNICEF report estimates that hundreds of thousands of babies in South Asia alone have died because of the inability of pregnant women to get appropriate care. India is seeking solutions.

Children in the study were given a twice-yearly dose of the antibiotic azithromycin. Researchers found that their mortality rate was significantly lower than that of untreated children.

Health & Safety

Could Antibiotics Be A Silver Bullet For Kids In Africa?

6:38pm June 06, 2019

by Tim McDonnell

A study from Niger reveals a dramatic drop in mortality among children given a twice-yearly dose of azithromycin. Yet concern remains about the potential impact on antibiotic resistance.

An infant receives medical care at a New Delhi hospital.

Health & Safety

Why Did India Have Ten Million Fewer Childhood Deaths Than Predicted?

12:00pm September 23, 2017

by Chhavi Sachdev

Researchers used an innovative method to come up with the data for the years from 2000 to 2015. What's behind the encouraging trend?