by ake32 | Mar 16, 2025 | Dashboard, Visualization
Children’s Survival Shouldn’t Depend on Where They Are Born
Over the past 25 years, the world has made great progress in reducing child mortality. However, millions of children still die before their fifth birthday. The main reason is where they are born and the economic status of their countries and families.
Children born in wealthier nations have a much higher chance of survival than those in poverty, conflict zones, or rural areas. While some low-income countries like Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Rwanda have made significant progress, others like Somalia, Niger, and Chad continue to struggle.
The Reality of Child Mortality in 2022
4.9 million children under five died, mostly from preventable causes.
5 countries with the highest under-five mortality rates:
1- Niger
2- Nigeria
3- Somalia
4- Chad
5- Sierra Leone
5 countries with the lowest under-five mortality rates:
1- Iceland
2- Japan
3- Norway
4- Singapore
5- Estonia
These numbers highlight a widening gap-low-income and fragile states are falling behind.
Global Progress in Reducing Under-Five Mortality
Since 1990, the global under-five mortality rate has dropped by more than 50%. However, progress has been uneven. Children in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia still face the highest risk of early death. A child born in Somalia is 80 times more likely to die before age five than a child born in Iceland.
Who Gets to Survive?
• Low-income countries face child mortality rates up to 15 times higher than high-income countries.
• The highest rates are in Sub-Saharan Africa and Central & Southern Asia.
• Children from low-income families are less likely to survive than those from wealthier backgrounds.
To close this gap, countries struggling with high child mortality should learn from success stories like Bangladesh and Ethiopia, which have significantly reduced their child mortality rates.
Comparison of Under-5 Mortality Reduction: Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Rwanda have reduced child mortality at a much higher rate than Niger, Chad, and Somalia, despite facing similar economic challenges and having sharing same geographical locations
Lessons from Bangladesh and Ethiopia
Bangladesh has cut its child mortality rate by over 75% since 1990—one of the world’s best improvements.
Ethiopia has reduced child mortality by over 60% since 2000, thanks to major healthcare investments and community health programs.
How did they succeed?
• Investing in maternal and child healthcare
• Expanding vaccination coverage
• Improving nutrition programs
• Training community health workers
Under-5 Mortality and Mother’s Education
Education is key to child survival.
• Mothers with higher education levels are more likely to seek healthcare, provide proper nutrition, and recognize early illness signs.
• Countries with higher dropout rates (like Niger, Chad, and Somalia) have higher child mortality rates.
The Impact of Communicable Diseases
Countries with high child mortality also face high rates of communicable diseases and maternal nutrition deficiencies.
• Bangladesh and Ethiopia have strong vaccination programs, leading to major mortality reductions.
• Niger, Chad, and Somalia still struggle with widespread diseases, worsening child survival rates.
What Needs to Be Done?
1️-Strengthen education and prevent school dropouts, especially for girls.
2️-Implement strong vaccination programs, like those in Bangladesh and Ethiopia.
3️-Improve maternal and child nutrition to prevent early deaths.
4️-Combat communicable diseases through improved sanitation and healthcare access.
The Potential Impact
If other struggling countries follow the same path, they could reduce child mortality at similar rates:
• Ethiopia: Reduced mortality 5.5 times, from 200 deaths per 1,000 in 1990 to 46 in 2023.
• Bangladesh: Reduced mortality 5 times, from 146 in 1990 to 29 in 2023.
Applying these strategies in Niger, Chad, and Somalia could achieve similar progress.
Recommendations
• Expand healthcare access in low-income and rural areas.
• Improve maternal education and nutrition programs.
• Invest in clean water and sanitation.
• Scale up vaccination programs and community health services.
• Provide financial aid and international support to struggling nations.
If fully implemented, these interventions could save 9 million children under five by 2030.
Further steps could be taken to narrow the economical gap between high-income and low-income countries
1- Increase Global Investment in Health & Education
2- Enhance Technology Transfer & Innovation : Bridge the digital divide by providing access to technology, telemedicine, and AI-driven education
3- Develop Sustainable Job Creation Programs: Support entrepreneurship, vocational training
References:
1- World Bank World Development Indicators: “https://databank.worldbank.org/source/world-development-indicators”
2- UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation, 2024: “https://data.unicef.org/resources/un-inter-agency-group-for-child-mortality-estimation-unigme/”
3- Child Mortality, Still Birth and Causes of Death Estimates,April, 2024 : “https://childmortality.org”
by mcm17 | Mar 16, 2025 | Uncategorized
Early childhood pregnancies – Adolescence 15-19 years: A look at India vs China
Problem: Adolescent pregnancy
Early childbearing or pregnancy is a global issue. It is estimated that 13% of adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 give birth before they turn 18. Early pregnancy negatively affects their education, livelihoods, and health, as girls often drop out of school, hindering their career aspirations, employment prospects, and opportunities. There are social and health consequences of adolescent pregnancy that can lead to stigmatization, rejection, violence, and early marriage.
Map of India and China – Average Adolescent Fertility Rate (births per 1000 women aged 15-19 yrs) 1979 to 2022 (China vs India) Map
Problem Evidence: A review of adolescent fertility rate in India vs China
Adolescent Fertility Rate (births per 1000 women aged 15-19 yrs) 1979 to 2022 (China vs India)
• In 2022, China’s adolescent fertility was 5 births per 1000 women. The highest rate was recorded in 1987 at 30 births per 1000 women.
• Comparatively, India had 14 births per 1000 women in the same year. In 1982, India recorded the highest fertility rate of 161 births per 1000 teenage women. The global average rate from 1979 to 2022 was 34.56 births per 1000 women!
• In 2022, India overtook China to become the world’s most populous country at 1.46 billion people
Potential Solution: Education, Social Support and Legislative Reforms
The Indian government recognizes the factors contributing to adolescent pregnancy and that the determinants for addressing this issue revolve around government policies, access to reproductive health education, social awareness, social support systems, and legislative reforms.
Solution Details
• Reproductive Education: The Indian government should integrate reproductive health education into the national curriculum to address taboos and promote safe reproduction practices. The lack of sexual reproductive health knowledge increases the risk of adolescent pregnancy.
• Strengthen Social Support Institutions: The government should establish youth-friendly reproductive health systems to promote and support teenage women. These systems can work to distribute contraceptives, provide family planning methods, offer early pregnancy diagnosis, and deliver counseling on pregnancy options.
• Community Awareness Programs: Parents, teachers, and social workers should actively participate in reproductive health awareness programs. Local authorities can monitor the prevalence and prevent child marriages.
Solution Evidence
• In contrast, the Chinese government implemented the one-child policy from 1979 until 2016. Although this policy may not have directly influenced the adolescent fertility rate, it maintained a stable population growth rate. This demonstrates that government interventions are effective.
Adolescent Fertility Rate, India vs China, 1979 to 2022
• The UNFPA China policy brief on ending unintended pregnancies among Chinese Youth by 2030 also offers solution strategies implemented by China.
• In Uganda, the government and UNICEF are implementing a four-year national strategy to end child marriage and teenage pregnancy from 2022-2023 to 2026-2027. This policy responds to a sharp increase in adolescent pregnancies in 2020, with a rise of 25% among those aged 15-19 years and 366% among those aged 10-14 years.
• Mexico developed two strategies, the National Strategy for the Prevention of Teen Pregnancy and a Model of Comprehensive Care in Sexual and Reproductive Health for Adolescents. Between 2014 and 2018, the adolescent fertility rate slightly decreased from 77.0 to 70.6 births per 1,000 women aged 15-19.
Recommendation: Way Forward
India can draw similarities from other countries and implement policies that suit Indian society. The following are recommended strategies to mitigate adolescent pregnancies:
a. Promulgate and Strengthen laws prohibiting early child marriages such as the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006.
b. Establish information repositories or databases on teenage pregnancies to set up early warning systems. This information can be used to conduct studies and design targeted interventions.
c. Integrate reproductive health education in the national education curriculum
d. Establish strong social support systems to promote awareness, welfare support and community involvement.
References:
1. DTE, 2025. Combating Adolescent Pregnancy in India. Retrieved from https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/combating-adolescent-pregnancy-in-india
2. Estrade, Fatima et al, 2022. Public policy on the prevention of subsequent adolescent pregnancy: what type of policy prevails? Retrieved from https://scielosp.org/article/csp/2022.v38n9/e00025922/en/
3. Government of Uganda, 2022. THE NATIONAL STRATEGY TO END CHILD MARRIAGE AND TEENAGE PREGNANCY 2022/2023 – 2026/2027 – “A SOCIETY FREE OF CHILD MARRIAGE AND TEENAGE PREGNANCY”. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/uganda/media/13666/file/National%20Strategy%20to%20end%20Child%20marriage%20and%20Teenage%20Pregnancy%202022-2027.pdf
4. UNFPA China, 2013. Ending Unintended Pregnancies among Chinese Youth by 2030. Retrieved from https://china.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub-pdf/Ending%20Unintended%20Pregnancies%20among%20Chinese%20Unmarried%20Youth%20by%202030-Final.pdf
by rmj36 | Mar 16, 2025 | Uncategorized
“Imagine a world where millions of young girls wake up every day without access to education. A world where poverty, cultural barriers, and systemic challenges prevent them from achieving their full potential. Unfortunately, this is not a hypothetical scenario—it is the reality for over 130 million girls worldwide. Today, we will explore the global and Arab crisis of out-of-school girls, the factors contributing to this crisis, and the urgent actions needed to ensure education for all.”
A Growing Global Crisis
Across the world, millions of young girls wake up every day without the opportunity to go to school. The reality is harsh—education, a fundamental human right, remains an unfulfilled dream for far too many. The latest figures paint a troubling picture of widespread educational exclusion, particularly in Africa and parts of Asia.
The top 10 most affected countries include:
- Burkina Faso, Gambia, Niger, Guinea, Morocco, Senegal, Central African Republic, Burundi, and Oman.
- These nations struggle with deep-rooted economic, cultural, and political challenges that have made female education difficult to sustain.
In the Arab world, the situation is equally concerning. Countries such as Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Syria, and the UAE rank among the highest in terms of out-of-school female children. This raises questions about the barriers preventing equal education despite economic development in these regions.
Key Challenges Behind the Education Gap
- Economic Hardships
- Many families in poverty-stricken regions prioritize boys’ education over girls’.
- Girls are often expected to help with domestic work or contribute financially through child labor.
- School fees, lack of resources, and additional costs (e.g., uniforms, transportation) make education unaffordable.
- Cultural and Social Barriers
- Deep-seated gender norms discourage female education in many societies.
- Early marriages prevent girls from continuing their schooling, trapping them in cycles of dependency.
- Parental concerns about safety and lack of female-friendly school environments further discourage enrollment.
- Infrastructure and Accessibility Issues
- Many rural communities lack schools within reasonable travel distances.
- Poor transportation options make it unsafe for girls to attend school, especially in remote or conflict-prone areas.
- Lack of basic facilities like separate restrooms for girls contributes to dropout rates.
- Conflict and Political Instability
- Wars and crises in countries like Syria and parts of Africa have displaced millions, disrupting educational systems.
- Refugee girls are among the most affected, with limited access to formal schooling.
- Weak Policy Enforcement
- Despite international agreements on education rights, many countries lack strict enforcement mechanisms.
- Governments often fail to prioritize investment in female education, leading to stagnation in literacy and empowerment efforts.
The Way Forward: Urgent Actions and Solutions
- Government and Policy Reforms
- Enforce free and compulsory education laws for both genders.
- Provide financial incentives for families to keep girls in school.
- Ensure school safety policies to protect girls from harassment and violence.
- Economic Support for Families
- Establish scholarship programs for low-income girls.
- Introduce conditional cash transfer programs, rewarding families for school attendance.
- Community Engagement & Cultural Shifts
- Conduct awareness campaigns challenging harmful gender norms.
- Involve local leaders and influencers to advocate for girls’ education.
- Infrastructure Development
- Build more accessible schools in rural areas.
- Improve transportation options and safety for school-going girls.
- Ensure availability of sanitation facilities to create a welcoming learning environment.
- Leveraging Technology
- Promote online learning programs for girls in remote areas.
- Distribute free digital learning materials through mobile and internet-based platforms.
- NGO and Private Sector Collaborations
- Encourage public-private partnerships to fund school projects.
- Work with international organizations to provide teacher training and quality resources.
Conclusion: A Shared Responsibility
The crisis of out-of-school female children is not just about education—it’s about economic progress, gender equality, and the future of societies. Without urgent action, millions of girls will continue to be deprived of opportunities, impacting generations to come.
However, change is possible. By investing in girls’ education, nations can break the cycle of poverty, empower future leaders, and build more resilient economies. Every girl deserves the chance to learn, grow, and achieve her full potential—because when we educate girls, we empower entire nations.
It is time to act. Let’s break the barriers together.
by lma85 | Mar 16, 2025 | Uncategorized
Fossil Fuel Consumption Across Countries: A Global Concern
- Problem: High Fossil Fuel Consumption and Its Consequences
Fossil fuel consumption is considered as a major contributor to the global environmental challenges, including climate change, air pollution, and resource depletion. Countries with high levels of consumption often rely on non-renewable energy sources, leading to concerns regarding the long term sustainability.
- Problem Evidence: The Reality of Fossil Fuel Consumption
– The bar charts show that countries such as the United States, China, and India are among the highest countries in terms of fossil fuel usage.
– A global heat-map shows in comparison that industrialized and high- income regions tend to consume more than developing nations.
– Trends from the line charts suggest that while some developed countries are reducing fossil fuel dependence, many emerging economies show a steady increase in usage over time.
- Potential Solution: The Transition to Renewable Energy and Sustainable Policies
To reduce the dependence on the fossil fuels, countries must invest in clean energy alternatives, adopt stricter environmental policies, and encouraging embracing energy efficiency programs.
- Solution Details
– Legal Re-forms & New Regulations: Governments must enforce stricter policies on fossil fuel emissions and usage.
– Investing in The Renewable Energy: By the expansion of solar, wind, and hydropower infrastructure to minimize reliance on coal and oil.
– Economic Incentives: Providing financial support for businesses and individuals whose adopting the green energy solutions.
– Spreading environmental impact awareness: Should give more education for citizens about the importance of reducing energy waste and transitioning to sustainable and renewable sources of energy.
– Corporate Responsibility: Companies should use more greener production and manufacturing methods and invest in low-carbon technologies.
- Solution Evidence and Examples
– Some of the countries like Germany and UK have already reduced fossil fuel consumption and emissions by moving to using renewable energy sources.
– Putting Carbon tax policies in some nations have resulted in a decline in fossil fuel usage due to lower needs in certain areas.
– Some studies have shown that investing in clean energy infrastructure lead to long-term reductions in the greenhouse gas emissions.
- Conclusion and Recommendation:
Now Governments, organizations, and individuals must take a step forward and all collaborate and unite to work on reducing the need for fossil fuel energy, and consumption.
Key actions will include:
- Reinforcing laws and regulations regarding fossil fuel emissions.
- Increase the access to affordable and renewable sources energy.
- Offering financial support and encouraging cleaner energy adoptions.
- Increasing public education and awareness on energy conservation and usage.
- Holding corporations responsible for environmental sustainability by minimizing emissions and other relevant missions.
By applying these policies, we can work towards a cleaner, more sustainable future, ensuring energy security and ensuring the environment is protected for future generations to come.
by lmm49 | Mar 15, 2025 | Visualization
1. Problem
In 2013, a significant number of children in Syria dropped out of primary school. School closures, displacement, and safety concerns prevented children from accessing education.
2. Problem Evidence
- Increase in Out-of-School Children: The number of primary-aged children out of school surged from 20,288 in 2011 to 845,091 in 2013.
- Destroyed Infrastructure: Many schools were damaged or repurposed as shelters, further limiting access to education.
3. Potential Solution
A collaboration between UNICEF and the Syrian Ministry of Education focused on reintegrating out-of-school children through alternative education programs.
4. Solution Details
- Self-Learning Program (2015): Designed for children aged 6-19 with no access to formal education. It provided self-paced learning to help children re-enter schools.
- Curriculum B: An accelerated learning program allowing students to catch up on lost school years. It was particularly effective in summer learning programs.
- Reopening Schools: UNICEF facilitated the reopening of 23 primary schools in Aleppo, allowing nearly 6,500 children to return to school.
5. Solution Validation
- Increased school attendance in areas where these programs were implemented.
- Positive feedback from students and teachers on the effectiveness of accelerated learning programs.
- Gradual restoration of school infrastructure in conflict-affected areas.
- As shown in the figure below, students are getting back to school gradually from year 2022 to 2023, and expected to follow the same trend in the upcoming years, if the program will continue.
6. Findings and Recommendations
- Findings: The education programs have successfully helped children return to school, but challenges remain ongoing.
- Recommendations:
- Expand UNICEF’s programs to more regions, ensuring all children can access education.
- Increase funding and support for rebuilding schools and teacher training.
- Commit to a three-year goal of reintegrating all out-of-school children into the education system.
Sources:
