Global Child Health

Advancing child health in humanitarian contexts and among disadvantaged populations

Over the past 30 years, global child and maternal mortality rates have declined substantially. However, these rates remain unacceptably high in many low-resource countries, with over 50% of under-five child deaths occurring in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Populations affected by humanitarian crises, such as conflicts, are particularly vulnerable, experiencing significantly higher child and maternal mortality rates compared to more advantaged groups. Many SSA countries are unlikely to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which seeks to reduce maternal and child mortality and achieve universal health coverage by 2030.

Climate change exacerbates existing health inequities and is recognized by the WHO as a major global health threat. Events such as rising temperatures, desertification, erratic rainfall, and flooding increase health risks, including food insecurity, heat-related illnesses, malnutrition, and shifts in infectious disease patterns like malaria and dengue. These challenges strain fragile health systems, widen socio-economic and health disparities, and present political and governance challenges.

Addressing these interconnected challenges demands multi-sectoral strategies, including improvements in agriculture, food security, water management, housing, and public health interventions such as immunization and disease prevention. Additionally, improving access to essential emergency and critical care (EECC) is equally vital to improving health and well-being of critically ill newborns, children, and pregnant women. Moreover, strengthening clinical networks, enhancing post-discharge care, and fostering community-based interventions are essential to reducing both in-hospital and post-discharge mortality rates.

Preparedness for health emergencies, such as epidemics, is another vital aspect of strengthening health system resilience. Recent outbreaks, including Filovirus epidemics, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the MPOX epidemic, underscore the urgent need to enhance surveillance, preparedness, and response capabilities.

The objective of this working group’s activities is to support pragmatic projects and operational research in close collaboration with partners, with a strong emphasis on contributing to capacity building. These efforts prioritize a close connection with patients and their families, gaining a deeper understanding of living conditions, and addressing disease prevention as well as access to essential, good-quality care services.