Media Contacts Geraldine Ryerson-Cruz 202.572.6302 (o), 202.246.2432 (c) Amy Parodi 253.815.2386 (o), 253.709.3190 (c)

Latest Press Releases 02/21/2008 Aid agency welcomes U.S. effort to combat tropical diseases 06/28/2007 Partnerships Key to Zambia's Malaria Fight, Mrs. Laura Bush Says

Today, nearly 27,000 children under age 5 will die from preventable or treatable causes — that means an estimated 9.7 million children in this age group will die this year. And the vast majority of all child deaths occur in developing countries. There may be cures for their conditions, but they don’t have access to the necessary medication, treatment, or immunizations. Their parents may lack basic knowledge of nutrition, hygiene and health care. And their governments don’t have the resources to provide adequate health programs.

When children aren’t healthy, they can’t attend school or focus on their future.

	Fast Facts > 270 million children have no access to health care services. Source: UNICEF State of the World's Children 2005 > Millions of infants are not immunized with critical vaccines that cost about $1. Source: WHO Global Immunization Vision and Strategy 2006-2015 > Each year, more than 250,000 young children lose their sight due to a lack of vitamin A in their diets. Source: UNICEF State of the World's Children 2006

Health clinics and therapeutic feeding centers—In 2006, World Vision teams worldwide helped survivors of 80 disasters and humanitarian crises. Emergency clinics enable staff to care for critical health needs.

Medical supplies—World Vision helps facilitate emergency care by providing hospitals and clinics with top-quality medicines, equipment and supplies.

Health care—World Vision trains birth attendants and health workers in rural communities where people might not otherwise have access to health care.

Hygiene—Community programs teach the importance of personal hygiene in preventing disease.

Nutrition—World Vision volunteers and staff train parents on the critical role that proper nutrients play in the diets of growing children.

Immunization and early childhood care—World Vision provides children around the world with vaccines, vitamin A, and nutritional supplements and supports mothers through pregnancy and childbirth.

Health clinics—World Vision works to ensure access to health care for people in impoverished countries like Romania, where years of oppressive leadership drained the country of medical professionals.

Preventive care—World Vision focuses on the prevention of childhood diseases through prenatal care and well-child care programs in countries worldwide.

Hygiene supplies—Families in need are given essential supplies like soap, shampoo and toothpaste to help stave off serious diseases.

Advocacy—World Vision works at global and national levels to achieve policy improvements for health reform.

Who Is World Vision?

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.

Steve Panton Executive Director Media Relations 202.492.6556 (c) Rachel Wolff Disaster Response See all contacts 253.815.2072 (o) 253.394.2214 (c) Cynthia Colin International Affairs See all contacts 202.572.6595 (o) 202.436.1266 (c) John Yeager Domestic Campaigns Regional Events See all contacts 253.815.2356 (o) 425.765.9845 (c) Karen Kartes Corporate Partnerships Celebrity Engagement See all contacts 253.815.2163 (o) 206.351.4315 (c) Dean Owen Executive Affairs "Experience: AIDS" Tour See all contacts 253.815.2103 (o) 253.906.8645 (c)