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• Health:
• Infant Health

Infant Health

Infant mortality is one of the greatest challenges facing the Commonwealth today. 30,000 children under the age of five die every day.

Most of these deaths are due to pneumonia, diarrhoea, malaria, measles and AIDS, and could be saved through low-cost prevention and treatment measures.

Infant health is a problem that is closely linked with poverty and can only be addressed by looking at the health of the entire family unit - these means ensuring access to basic nutrition and clean water, education, medical care and economic opportunities. Poor families are often unable to afford basic healthcare and immunisations.

Maternal health is a problem that is closely linked with infant health. Improving maternal health though better care, the use of skilled birth attendants, and better nutrition could avert 40% of infant deaths. Child spacing, breast-feeding, and a healthy mother can improve a child's chances enormously.

We can reverse this trend through:

• Antibiotics for pneumonia.
• Oral rehydration for diarrhea.
• Insecticide treated mosquito nets and appropriate drugs for malaria.
• Access to drugs that prevent mother to child HIV transmission.
• Proper nutrition and access to food.
• Better care for mothers and babies.
• Improved access to education.

Healthy infants and children are the key to future prosperity for all Commonwealth countries. Together we are working to address all of the elements needed for an effective response.