GUYANA has now become one of over 57 countries pledging commitment to the ‘Child Survival Call to Action’, and will thus be held accountable for taking action towards the goal of significantly reducing preventable child deaths. Government signed the pledge yesterday afternoon, “Committing to Child Survival: A Promise Renewed,” a global initiative that is promoted by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran did the honours on behalf of the Guyana Government at Parliament Buildings, in the presence of UNICEF Representative to Guyana and Suriname, Dr Suleiman Braimoh.
Although a Government effort, the initiative is being spearheaded by the Ministries of Culture, Youth and Sport; Education; Health, and Legal Affairs. The initiative was launched on June 14 in Washington D.C. at a forum convened by the Governments of Ethopia, India, and the United States of America, in collaboration with UNICEF.
At this forum, over 80 governments along with partners from the private sector, civil society, and faith-based organizations worldwide, united in support of the Child Survival Call to Action, promote a sustained global effort to save children’s lives.
The call to action challenges the world to reduce child mortality to 20 or fewer deaths per 1000 live births in every country by 2035. Reaching this historic target will save an additional 45 million children’s lives by 2035, bringing the world closer to the ultimate goal of ending preventable child deaths.
Over the past 40 years, new vaccines; improved health care practices; investments in education, and the dedication of governments, civil society and other partners have contributed to reducing the number of child deaths by more than 50 percent.
Still, every year, millions of children die before they reach the age of five, largely from preventable causes. In Guyana, according to the DHS 2009, 40 children per every 1000 live births die before reaching age five.
Following the signing yesterday, Dr Ramsaran told the Chronicle that it was a “significant” and “symbolic” moment; one that embraces what Government has been doing for the last seven years.
“The Ministry of Education has made several significant moves to promote child development, and we have done a lot for children and young adults; even enacting legislation for child protection. The Legal Affairs Minister has also helped to craft and pilot several pieces of legislation to protect children.
“In Guyana we are fortunate. In other countries, you have the sale of children, especially in the poorer economic sections of society, child brides and (their) consequences. So, in Guyana we’re lucky, but we still have to be vigilant. For example, protecting  particularly the female child.
“The Government, having signed on, is going to redouble its efforts to see that such vulnerable children are taken care of.
“Through national action and international cooperation, we pledge to take action to accelerate progress on newborn, child and maternal survival.
“We hold ourselves accountable for our collective progress towards this goal, and on behalf of all children everywhere, we recommit the efforts of our respective governments to give every child the best possible start in life,” the minister remarked.