Synopsis

Children under the age of 18 years comprise about 50% of the world's population with those aged below five years accounting for 15%. Over 90% of the worlds children are born in developing countries. Over 70% of all child deaths in the world are due to only six diseases: malaria, acute respiratory illnesses, measles, diarrheal diseases, HIV/AIDS and malnutrition. The young are the most vulnerable and disadvantaged group in society and therefore their needs must be accorded special attention especially their health needs. These health needs include the implementation of prevention strategies, essential health research and effective case management of the common childhood illnesses.

Developing countries are facing the challenge of rising infant and the under-five mortality. These two child health indicators are today well above what was observed over a decade ago. These declining basic health indicators need systematic approaches if they have to revert to levels attained in the 1990s and to levels that meet the targets of the millennium development goals.

The application of simple and feasible preventive strategies, adoption of evidence based medicine and utilization of the results and findings of essential health research provide the foundation for reaching the desired impact of reducing child mortality. Consistent, logical and equitable application of these strategies must be the very basic action governments and health care providers need to put in place if the millennium development goals have to be achieved especially in developing countries.

Professor Esamai, a Child Health Specialist and Paediatrician will share his views and thoughts with colleagues and the public on the future of child health care in Kenya and other developing countries with the view of reducing infant and under-five mortality.

For More Information, Contact:
Prof. Fabian Esamai (PhD)
Dean, School of Medicine
E-mail: deanmedicine@mu.ac.ke

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