More than 1.5 million people show support for child health

2012-11-20

• 'Staggering’ numbers have taken action to demand leaders support child health
• The movement shows people are prepared to do more than just click online

Hundreds of thousands of children, parents, churches, community groups and international advocates have taken to the streets and online platforms in a globally co-ordinated campaign to highlight child mortality.

The week-long movement, part of World Vision’s Child Health Now campaign, has seen more than 1.5 million people taking more than 2 million actions in more than 80 countries, to show leaders they care about all children surviving to the age of five.

“We know leaders listen when large groups speak, which is why we’ve encouraged people to raise their hands and be counted,” said World Vision’s international director of campaigns, Andrew Hassett.

“But even we are staggered and humbled by the number of people who are showing they care this week.”

Those throwing their support behind the campaign include President of the Philippines, Benigno S. Aquino III, who pledged to work to end preventable deaths of children under five. "World Vision has given children a chance to realise their dreams, while also giving those with resources a chance to enrich their lives by helping others,” said President Aquino.

The week of action is demonstrating people want to do more than just click on a link to show their concern, said Hassett. “From Armenia to India, we’re seeing people organise events, lobby their leaders, sign petitions, hold panel discussions and get out on to the streets to rally.  

“World Vision’s Child Health Now campaign is about enabling those most affected by the scourge of child deaths to take action and demand change. We will continue to work over the coming months and years to support citizens everywhere to show their leaders they want action, not words, to save children's lives.”