Realizing child's right via ahealthy environments

A child born today has a much better chance of reaching their fifth birthday than ever before. But climate change and environmental degradation threaten to reverse progress on child and adolescent survival, health and well-being.

Children worldwide face a host of environmental hazards, like polluted air, water and food; exposure to toxic chemicals; unsafe infrastructure; and threats related to Climate Change.

Floods, wildfires and other extreme weather events destroy infrastructure and economies, and pose unique threats to young bodies and minds. Slower-onset events such as droughts and the spread of parasites, bacterial diseases and viral diseases present dangers that are more pronounced for children.

An estimated 26% of deaths in children under five years old can be prevented by addressing environmental risks. 

Environmental hazards have been linked to a range of significant health risks for children. For example, the global rise of cancer, diabetes, neurodevelopmental disorders and asthma has accompanied a surge in air pollution, e-waste and the use of harmful chemicals in everyday products.

Three hundred million children live in areas with toxic air (where toxicity levels are six or more times higher than international guidelines). And around 1 in 3 children - up to 800 million worldwide - have dangerously high blood lead levels.

Improving children's ability to survive and thrive means addressing the profound ways in which environmental factors shape their health and well-being.

Links:

• Take a moment and watch this story

Hello *****

I dearly want to thankyou on behalf of the communities we support and the entire colleauges of staff at the bottom of our hearts for your support and love in walking with us a big milestone in 2023.

In February, we were lucky enough to visit one remote community to visit some of the incredible projects you’ve been supporting – from a nutrition programme for under-fives to malaria prevention in the some of the most remote border areas.

On our final day in the remote community, we were invited to join the ‘Malaria Outreach Team’ as they took to one parish for a community-based approach to tackling malaria. The outreach team provide malaria testing and treatment, as well as education around prevention and symptoms to those who are not always able to access traditional healthcare. They can travel many miles and are often away from their families for weeks at a time.

The Malaria Outreach Team, led by our program staff, tries to ensure that they meet as many people as possible as they travel deep into the remote community. After a four-hour drive in the 40 degree heat, the team spots a household that ensures that their children sleep under a treated mosquito net given by the project.

Malaria is particularly dangerous for the most vulnerable members of society, including young children and pregnant women, so it is particularly important to catch it early.

Quick diagnostic tests only take 15 minutes, which is essential in treating mobile communities who may be difficult to follow up with. If diagnosed with malaria, the team can usually administer medication on the spot.

While waiting for the results, the team uses this time to spread awareness on the symptoms and dangers of malaria, and how people can protect themselves by using mosquito nets, long sleeves and mosquito repellent, particularly when sleeping outside.

The team also leave clear, picture-led brochures which people are encouraged to share with their friends and families and help raise awareness of the dangers of malaria.

Generally, the people the outreach team meet are aware that malaria is dangerous, but haven’t been tested or aren’t aware of how it is spread, or when to seek healthcare.

Just a drop of blood can easily determine whether a person has malaria. Drug resistant malaria is a serious concern in remote communities, but quick diagnosis and treatment can help to reduce the spread.

We believe that community-based, education-led healthcare is the best way to enable people to take charge of their own health. “The people here aren’t always thinking about their health – they are often travelling to find work and can’t easily access healthcare. When people have education about their health, they can protect themselves.”

Links:

• View all our gift catalog
• With a gift of $100, we will support more children on crisis
• Volunteer to be our Charity field project mobilizer.