Health

Article 24 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child : States Parties recognize the right of the child to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health and to services for the treatment of disease and rehabilitation of health. States Parties shall endeavor to ensure that no child is deprived of their right to enjoy these health services.

Tremendous progress in child and maternal health has been achieved over the past decades. But millions of women and children are still dying from causes that can be prevented with quality health care and strong health systems. Communicable and non-communicable diseases, mental health conditions, injuries, malnutrition, environmental hazards: All pose threats to children worldwide. Still, within and among countries, stark inequities persist when it comes to accessing live-saving care. 

Women and children living in poverty, with a disability, or in an emergency setting are especially likely to be cut off from services they need to survive and thrive. And the risk of disease and malnutrition soars during conflict, natural disaster and other crises.