A Majority of Americans Do Not Know the Leading Causes of Child Deaths

What do you think is the leading cause of death among children in the world's poorest countries? Is it HIV/AIDS? What about malaria? Well, if you are like the majority of Americans, you would believe that HIV/AIDS and malaria are the leading causes of child death among the world's developing nations. If so, you would be wrong. According to a recent survey, sixty percent of Americans do not know the leading causes of child deaths in developing nations.

Each day, more than 27,000 children die. Although HIV/AIDS and malaria both account for a large amount of child deaths, they are not the leading causes. In developing nations children often die struggling to stay alive. The leading causes of death among children, particularly those under the age of five, are neonatal complications, pneumonia, and diarrhea. These deaths can often times be prevented. In fact, it is estimated that two-thirds of child deaths in developing nations could be prevented. Children in the world's poorest countries often suffer from malnutrition, dehydration, and vaccine-preventable diseases. All of these factors can lead to an early death. However, all of these factors can be prevented and/or treated.

The survey was commissioned by the US Coalition for Child Survival and was conducted by Lake Research Partners. The survey found that a large majority of Americans cannot correctly identify the leading causes of child deaths. The survey also asked many questions pertaining to the individuals feelings about child survival. Ninety-five percent of Americans indicated that child survival is an important issue. Moreover, ninety-three percent of individuals polled said that they believe international child survival should a priority in the United States. Another seventy-three percent of individuals indicated they believe the United States should be doing more to save lives and eighty-four percent said they are in favor of increasing funding to reduce preventable causes of death. The survey also asked about the U.S. Commitment to Global Child Survival Act of 2007. Eighty-one percent of Americans indicated support for the Act, even if it meant raising taxes.

So what does all this mean? It's no surprise, but Americans, in general, are caring and generous individuals. The survey definitely proves that Americans are concerned about child survival worldwide and are committed to combating preventable causes of death. The study also proves that Americans are greatly misinformed when it comes to causes of child deaths. Perhaps it is because child deaths are talked about so little in the media and when they are, the causes are often misrepresented. Nevertheless, Americans appear to be committed to helping prevent child deaths worldwide.

For more information regarding child survival and solutions to the many problems affecting child survival, visit the US Coalition for Child Survival at http://www.child-survival.org/solutions.cfm.

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