Between 1.5 and 3.5 million children die annually from ARL Bacterial pneumonias, which account for the majority of deaths in the developing world due to respiratory infection, remain the most treatable. With emerging vaccine technologies, they may also become preventable. Thus, malaria treatment and control, and diagnosis and treatment of acute respiratory infections are essential to achieving child survival goals in many countries. In countries or regions where such interventions contribute significantly to reduction of infant and child mortality they may be supported. Focused research to develop vaccines for malaria and ARI will be emphasized.
Maternal health is important to child survival.
Thus, in addition to birth spacing activities, other maternal services such as maternal nutrition and prenatal services may be supported where they can increase the prospects of child survival and reduce maternal mortality. Other diseases which contribute significantly to infant and child mortality may exist or emerge in different geographic settings. Where appropriate cost-effective interventions are identified to address these problems, they also may be supported. Environmental conditions such as poor water and sanitation can affect child health and mortality. Although not considered direct child survival interventions, certain activities to improve water supply and sanitation can be important complements to priority child survival programs and may be supported when justified on these grounds.