NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND

Children in The Gambia today are more likely to have a healthy start in life than they did two decades ago. Between 2005-2010 the under-five mortality rate declined from 131 to 109 per 1,000 live births and the infant mortality rate from 93 to 81 per 1,000 live births. The 2013 levels and trends continued to show a lower rate.

However, despite this decline, The Gambia still has one of the highest child mortality rates in the world and the rates vary according to levels of wealth and geographical areas. In 2010 under-five mortality rates in the rural areas were 36 per cent higher than those in urban areas.

Access to improved sources of drinking water is a challenge, with disparities among the regions. A 2010 survey in The Gambia showed that only 32 per cent of households had an improved drinking water source on their premises. The use of unprotected wells for drinking water are more common in the predominantly rural areas. In terms of sanitation, 40 per cent do not have access to sanitation.

This situation leaves significant parts of the under-five population at continuous risk of illnesses and death. WaSH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) related diseases currently account for 20 per cent of under-five deaths in The Gambia.

Gambia has been hard hit by climate change, and one of the effects of global warming has been a drop in the country’s groundwater levels. The Government are hoping to introduce the use of environmentally friendly solar-powered pumps to pump the water to the surface. 100 solar pumps are already in use, helping fill public tanks that provide the population with clean water.

UNICEF are helping communities to make progress towards goals to improve child health. They aim to reach every mother and child and educate through low cost high impact interventions, including handwashing with soap. Evidence shows that correct handwashing at critical times can reduce diarrhoea by 42-47 per cent.

Overall, it is hoped that these projects and health education will reduce the incidence of diarrhoea in children under five years, and contribute to the achievement of improved  health and improved learning environments in schools for these young children. Our Charity aims to reinforce the measures already in place by offering funding and health education in clinics and schools.