As of 2010, the latest statistics compiled by the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that 43% of deaths of children under five years old occurred in Africa. Most of these deaths occurred from preventable causes. AIDS/HIV, malaria, respiratory and bacterial infections, diarrheal diseases and traffic accidents top the list of causes of death of African children.
Malaria
Malaria, an infectious disease transmitted by mosquitoes, kills an African child every 30 seconds. The mosquito that carries the disease is prevalent in some parts of Africa, but some basic steps can prevent the disease. The United Nations notes that if a simple $3 insecticide-treated mosquito net were provided for every African child, overall child mortality rates could be reduced by 20 percent, as malaria is the number-one killer of children in Africa. Anti-malarial drugs can effectively prevent the disease, but aren't readily available.
Respiratory and Bacterial Infections
Infections such as Haemophilus influenzae type b, streptococcus pnuemoniae (pneunococcal), measles, tuberculosis and tetanus kill a large number of children in Africa. Many of these infections spread from coughing, sneezing and talking. HIV and malnutrition affect many of the infected children, further complicating the situation. Lack of basic health services in some areas means that children will die unnecessarily from infections. Early childhood vaccinations, improved living conditions, early recognition of infection and immediate treatment can help prevent these infections.
HIV/AIDS
In 2008, more than 1.4 million African children died from HIV/AIDS. Most of these children contracted it from their mothers during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding. Others were exposed to contaminated needles or blood. In some parts of Africa, the myth that having sex with a virgin cures HIV/AIDS puts young girls at risk for infection. Measures such as antiretroviral drugs for infected mothers, HIV/AIDS education and blood screening along with the use of sterile medical equipment can lower the incidence of HIV/AIDS.
Diarrhea
The presence of parasites in food and water can cause some African children to become infected with cholera, shigellosis, rotavirus, typhoid and dysentery, resulting in severe diarrhea. Children succumb to parasites more quickly than adults because they have less responsive immune systems. Additionally, because African children often suffer complications from malnutrition and other infections, they can easily become dehydrated, go into shock and die. Inexpensive fluid replacements, zinc supplements and sufficient feeding can help these children recover from diarrhea.
Road Accidents
Almost 20 children out of every 100,000 die from road traffic injuries in Africa, compared with 7.7 in the Americas. The accidents result from speeding, alcohol and drub abuse, distraction from a cell phone or conversation, an overloaded or poorly functioning vehicle, bad roads and pedestrian negligence. Parents in Africa rarely use seat belts for their children, contributing to the extremely high statistics. The World Health Organization recommends basic measures to prevent these accidents including a minimum legal drinking age, zero tolerance for drinking while driving, drivers licensing systems, education and enforcement on child restraints and seat belts, and reducing the speed limits around school, homes and play areas.
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