EUROPE/SPAIN-Every year fewer children die, about 4 thousand, than in 1990, but much still remains to be done

Madrid (Agenzia Fides) - Despite the alarming figures that one hears every day on the precarious living conditions of many children around the world, it seems that the last 20 years have been crucial to their improvement. Disease, hunger and lack of resources are some of the factors that threaten the survival of most of the world population and in particular, childhood, one of the most vulnerable. A study recently conducted by '"Overseas Development Institute" estimated that each year die fewer children under 5 years of age die compared to 1990. The projects of education, vaccination campaigns and public health carried out in several poor areas have produced good results. 56 million more children have enrolled in schools and more than 68 countries with 90% coverage for vaccines for major diseases. Despite these tremendous improvements there is still much to be done. Infant mortality rate remains high (7.6 million children under 5 years of age died in 2010), continuing conflicts and inequalities, and the planned cuts to aid for development put at risk AIDS studies and malnutrition. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 20/4/2012)