The report by the Save the Children says that "thousands more lives could be saved each year if government efforts were focused equally on the poorest". [break]
The report further says that every year, around 26,000 children die before they reach five years in Nepal. "Nepal has been placed 9th amongst 75 countries ranked according to scores for reducing under-5 mortality, equity and sustainability."
"The report is very positive on Nepal´s success in achieving huge reduction in child mortality but will need to shift its strategy to continue building on the gains it has already made. The focus now needs to be on well distributed progress across different social and income groups, between genders, and between rural and urban areas" says David Wright, Country Director Save the Children, Nepal Country Program.
According to a press statement issued by Save the Children on Thursday, 25 countries have already met the goal of a two-thirds reduction in child mortality rates by 2015, including Nepal and many of the poorest, high-burden countries such as Ethiopia, Liberia, Malawi and Tanzania.
"For many other countries, including Cambodia, Guinea, Mozambique, Niger and Rwanda, achieving the goal in the remaining period is within their grasp," reads the statement. The statement further demands political commitment for stopping preventable child deaths and increase public spending on health.
The report also says that a campaign should be launched to reduce malnutrition so that every child has the nutrition they need to survive and thrive.
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