UNICEF calls for 'more to be done' for world's children

While considerable progress has been made in efforts to improve the health of children worldwide, more needs to be done, according to a new report.

The study, published by the United Nation's children's fund, UNICEF, emphasised significant success in the battle to reduce the mortality rate amongst children under five-years old.

At the same time it also highlighted improvements in the fight against malaria and measles, and an increase in breastfeeding rates.

However, issues such as maternal mortality and the spread of both HIV and pneumonia were identified as areas in need of greater attention, with persistent problems in sub-Saharan Africa also seen as particularly pressing, Reuters reported.

"We're seeing some significant progress in a number of areas in different parts of the world," Alan Court, UNICEF chief of programmes, told the website. "There's a lot more to do."

Other issues identified in the report as requiring urgent action included under-nutrition, in South Asia in particular, and a continuing lack of basic sanitation for many children and their families.

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