Child mortality, also known as under-5 mortality, refers to the death of infants and children under the age of five. In 2011, 6.9 million children under five died, down from 7.6 million in 2010, 8.1 million in 2009, and 12.4 million in 1990. About half of child deaths occur in Sub-Saharan Africa. Reduction of child mortality is the fourth of the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals.
Child Mortality Rate is the highest in third world countries, such as Africa and Brazil. A child's death is emotionally and physically damaging for the mourning parents. Many deaths in the third world go unnoticed since many poor families cannot afford to register their babies in the government registry.
Read more about Child Mortality: Causes, Prevention, Rate, Highest Rates in The World
Famous quotes containing the words child and/or mortality:
“Although my parents have never been the kind to hint around about grandchildren, I can think of no better tribute to them than giving them some.... I can’t help thinking that the cycle is not complete until I can introduce them to a child of their child. And I can think of no better comfort when they are gone than to know that something of them lives on, not only in me but in my children.”
—Anne Cassidy. “Every Child Should Have a Father But....,” McCall’s (March 1985)
“Antiquity breached mortality with myths.
Narcissus is vocabulary. Hermes decorates
A cornice on the Third National Bank.”
—Allen Tate (1899–1979)