LEIGH CAMERON, general manager of advocacy and church at World Vision Australia, writes about how in the lead-up to this year’s World Health Assembly, Australians can help make a real difference in tackling the issue of child mortality…
Australians love to rise to a challenge. World Vision has benefited from the generosity of Australians, especially Australian churches, for many years now. Churches are invaluable partners with us as we work together with God to help bring His kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.
A HOPEFUL FUTURE? (from top to bottom) Two four-year-old kindergarten day-boarders Tien and Hoa enjoy a nourishing lunch prepared by their teacher in Vietnam; Children in their Blawadi (preschool) in India. PICTURES: Le Thiem Xuan/World Vision:Moses Ponraj/World Vision.
“What outrages me is that we know the solutions that will save these lives; they are not complex or expensive. Solutions like good nutrition, clean water, bed nets and vaccines are tried and tested. We have proven that in the rich world, so there is no reason we can’t do it for the majority who live in the poor world.”
A major challenge facing the world at the moment is the fact that every year 6.9 million children die before their fifth birthday from preventable causes like pneumonia, diarrhoea and malaria.
What outrages me is that we know the solutions that will save these lives; they are not complex or expensive. Solutions like good nutrition, clean water, bed nets and vaccines are tried and tested. We have proven that in the rich world, so there is no reason we can’t do it for the majority who live in the poor world.
At World Vision we have seen first-hand how communities have the power to work in cooperation with local authorities to change unjust systems. We have collaborated in child-focused development ministry with thousands of churches worldwide through the Child Health Nowcampaign. It has gained significant momentum for the health of children.
As Christians we all know how Jesus loved children. When the disciples wanted to brush them aside, Jesus was angry and called the children to Him. He even said the kingdom is not ours to be part of unless we become like them.
In the lead-up to this year’s World Health Assembly (20th to 28th May 2013) we have an opportunity to make a real difference. Health ministers from across the globe will be voting on a crucial resolution that calls for the adoption of a number of recommendations that could save the lives of six million children and mothers in the next five years. Imagine that! Six million lives saved. That’s more than a quarter of the population of Australia.
It is vitally important that this resolution is passed, so we are asking Australian churches to join with thousands across the world in calling on health ministers to use their voice and their vote to endorse and pass the resolution.
We would love you, as Australian Christians, to join us in doing all we can to change the lives of a whole generation of children.
Here’s what you can do:
• Join World Vision’s Child Health Now Campaign and endorse the resolution;
• ‘Like’ Child Health Now on Facebook so you can get regular updates on what’s happening at the World Health Assembly;
• Pray for leaders who will meet at the World Health Assembly that they will be mindful of the health needs of mothers and children and take action to reduce maternal and child deaths;
• Learn more about the issue. World Vision’s latest report is: “Within reach – ending preventable child deaths”; and,
• Celebrate mothers and children by purchasing Ken Duncan’s new ‘Vision of Hope – Mother and Child’ book.
Leigh Cameron is general manager of advocacy and church at World Vision Australia.
