Health Every day 30,000 children in the developing world die from preventable diseases. Basic medical care is beyond the reach of many of the world's poor, or simply unavailable. Without vaccination 3 million people a year die from illnesses such as tuberculosis, tetanus, measles, polio and diphtheria. Living in unhygienic conditions with little food and no clean water, millions of people are prone to malnutrition and ill health. Poverty creates a vicious cycle where the weak and malnourished easily fall ill, while those already suffering from disease become especially vulnerable to severe malnutrition.

Child malnutrition

Malnutrition is responsible for over half of the 12 million child deaths every year, although its dangerous effects are largely indirect and invisible. Malnutrition stunts a child's growth, impairs their intellectual development, and increases the odds that common illnesses such as diarrhea and respiratory infections become fatal.

It is vital to ensure that children grow up healthy and well-nourished by:

• Increasing food security within poor communities
• Providing adequate nourishment and pre-natal care to pregnant women
• Raising health and nutrition awareness amongst mothers
• Immunizing children against common diseases
• Improving water and sanitation facilities

Islamic Relief’s Health and nutrition includes: