In 2007, 9.2 million children born alive worldwide die before their fifth birthday. Most of these children live in developing countries and die from a disease or a combination of diseases that could be easily prevented or treated -- antibiotics for pneumonia, for example, or a simple mix of salts and sugars for diarrhoea. Malnutrition contributes to over a third of these deaths.

Child mortality is closely linked to poverty. Advances in infant and child survival have come more slowly in poor countries and to the poorest people in wealthier countries. Improvements in public health services are key, including safe water and better sanitation. Education, especially for girls and mothers, will also save children's lives. Raising incomes can help, but little will be achieved unless a greater effort is made to ensure that services reach those who need them most.