Children restore humanity in us. When you see a child smile, it brings about a simple joy to your heart. When a child laughs, it affects your senses greatly. When you a child cries, it makes your heart ache.
Children make an impact in our everyday lives more than we know it. What more can we do to make our planet safe for the younger generation? UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake has some thoughts about the matter. "Every two seconds, a newborn takes its first breath in the midst of conflict, often in terrifying circumstances and without access to medical care. Too many children are now starting their lives in extreme circumstances-from conflict to natural disasters, poverty, disease or malnutrition. Can there be a worse start in life?" The Executive Director's message serves as a poignant reminder to all of us.
The numbers tell us a tale. The data is alarming.
Time reports that one out of 8 births around the world happen in a conflict zone. UNICEF announced that the total number is no more than 16 million babies being born in these disastrous areas. High-risk countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and Yemen have mothers and their newborn children face massive threats to their health. The mothers are in trouble because of the lack of medical help as well as the unsanitary conditions. There is an increased possibility that their children may die before they even turn five because of exposure to toxic stress which will lead to a decline in their emotional and cognitive development.
Aside from the conflict, other factors such as poverty, climate change, and lack of opportunities are making families helpless. These factors have pushed millions of people to leave their homes in search of a better life for their families.
For the sake of the children's' future, let's all hope for a bigger change next year.
