There has been little change in newborn mortality in the past 20 years, even through proven, cost-effective solutions exist to save many of these young lives. This report reviews the most recent data on the newborn, revealing the alarming poor health and quality of health care for mothers and newborns in virtually all impoverished countries. The…

Examines poliomyelitis in the United States by reviewing clinical manifestations and outcomes, history, recent epidemiologic characteristics, characteristics of currently available vaccines, controversies surrounding vaccination policy, current poliovirus vaccination recommendations, and prospects for worldwide eradication. Poliomyelitis remains…

This report documents the progress made in developing and developed nations to improve health, nutrition, education, family planning, and the condition of women over the last 40 years. It presents tables that rank the world's nations and regions on: (1) the mortality rate of children under 5 years of age; (2) the percent of children under 5 years…

This special issue of "The State of the World's Children" marks the 50th anniversary year of UNICEF and its work on behalf of children. Chapter 1 examines how wars and civil conflicts are taking an enormous toll on children. The chapter outlines a proposed anti-war agenda as a vital step to prevent and alleviate the suffering of children…

This report on the well-being of the world's children focuses on the issue of child labor and its impact on children's lives. Chapter 1 provides a historical context for children's rights and highlights the need to guarantee the civil, social, economic, and political rights of children. The chapter shows how the world's course toward peace,…

This report details the status of the world's children, focusing on the issue of child labor and its impact on the well being of the world's children. Section 1 of the report discusses the Convention on the Rights of the Child and international recognition that children require special attention and that they should have the same spectrum of…

Based on the view that ensuring the rights and well-being of children is the key to sustained development in a country and to peace and security in the world, this report calls for leadership from governments and all sectors of society, illustrates varied ways that people have shown their commitment to children's welfare, and emphasizes the need…

The United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF, is mandated by the U.N. General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet children's basic needs, and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. This report details the accomplishments and activities of UNICEF for the year 2002. Following statements from…

One of the strengths of the 1990 World Summit for Children was its emphasis on goals to drive development and shape actions, and on the need to monitor progress, thereby transforming the way the world collected and processed data on children and women and creating a vital base and baseline for progress. In 2000, an exhaustive end-decade review of…