No child is born to die, but 8 million children under five die every year from illnesses we know how to treat or prevent, such as diarrhoea and pneumonia. In the 21st century, this is utterly wrong.
We have made progress. The number of children dying has fallen: it’s come down from about 12 million a year in 1990 to just over 8 million a year in 2010. Immunisations alone are saving 2.5 million children annually. But, with a child still dying every four seconds, you don’t have to be a parent to know that this is simply not enough.
No child is born to die
At Save the Children, we work in more than 120 countries. We save children's lives. We fight for their rights. We help them fulfil their potential. We’re extending and growing our work to save more lives - and we’re pushing world leaders to do more, too.
But we need your help to build a movement for change.
If enough people get involved, speak out and help raise money, others will have to listen and we can stop more children dying. We’re not waiting for a miracle cure or a wonder drug to save these lives. We know what works. We just need more of it – more vaccines, more antibiotics, more nurses and midwives.
Just making vaccines available to the poorest children could save 1 million lives a year. We need your help to persuade governments and companies to make them affordable to all. And no child should be born without a warm home, the right food or the hope of a good education. That's why we’re helping the poorest children in the UK get a better start in life too.
Your help can save lives
Every one of us can play our part. Whether you’re born to run, sing, cook, or party – you can do what you love to save children's lives.
When the cost of a chocolate bar would pay for a baby's essential medicine, the money you raise or donate really does have the power to save a life.
WHAT WE DOChild Poverty. Being born into poverty reduces a child's chances for a brighter future
Climate Change. A baby born in poverty is hit hardest by the effects of extreme weather.
Emergencies. Millions of children are caught up in emergencies. We help those most in need.
Hunger. We have an eight-step plan of action for tackling global child hunger.
Child Rights. Most governments promise to protect children's rights, yet they are still violated.
Education. We help children who are missing out on school get a decent education.
Health and HIV. We’re providing access to better healthcare and food so children grow up healthier.
Protection. We protect children who are exploited or not properly cared for.
