Day of the African Child commemorated

The Day of the African Child is being commemorated today with the release of a new report from the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

Entitled Two Decade of Progress: USAID's Child Survival and Maternal Health Program, the report details the success of the "child survival revolution" launched 20 years ago.

In addition, it reaffirms the organisation's commitment to providing resources and leadership in the global fight against child health problems.

Gloria Steele, acting assistant administrator of USAID, said: "We celebrate this remarkable progress made by some very poor nations to advance child health.

"The challenge now is to build on these successes to save the remaining millions of children who are dying needlessly."

Last year, USAID's funding for child aid in developing countries was increased by 25 per cent, with more than 80 nations set to benefit form this boost.

USAID revealed that child deaths around the world have fallen from 15 million per year during the 1980s to 9.2 million last year.

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