5th Birthday photos show commitment to ending preventable child deaths
If you’ve been following our Facebook and Twitter feeds, you’ve likely seen our community’s incredible response to the “Every Child Deserves a 5th Birthday” campaign. The idea that we could put a stop to preventable child deaths has resonated with our followers online, and it’s been wonderful seeing so many sharing #5thBDay posts and crafting their own. Perhaps most impressive of all has been the hundreds of 5th Birthday photographs you’ve submitted to the campaign site and to us.
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When you share your #5thBDay photograph, you’re raising awareness among your friends, family and our entire community of the more than 7 million children who die of preventable causes each year—roughly 21,000 a day. Despite this startling reality, child mortality has been reduced by about 40% over the past 30 years, and we know that we can get that number to zero with your support.
Each photo we’ve posted has been accompanied by a wish for children around the world. Many have wished for these children to have a chance to reach their full potential, to be happy and healthy, and to have access to education. U.S. Fund staff, world leaders, and our many enthusiastic followers have all contributed to the album.
“Every woman, whoever she is, wherever she lives, should be able to give birth without the fear she’s going to lose her baby or that her baby will lose her mother.” —Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State
“I wish every child around the world will reach her 5th birthday healthy, happy, and with the belief that she has the power to change the world.” —Amanda M.
“I wish the children of the world lots of love, perfect health, and the ability and chance to pursue their dreams so they can make their mark in this world.” —Mulanga M.
“I wish that every child has a real childhood—to play, laugh, learn, hope, grow, love (and be loved) and to dream.” —Casey R.
We’ve been thrilled with the response so far, but we’re still not done. Next week, many global leaders will be presented with this album, letting them know that all of us believe they must follow through in their promise to end preventable child deaths. There is still time if you want your 5-year-old self to be seen and your voice to be heard. Once you’ve submitted a photo and wish to the 5th Birthday website, check back a little later and send us the link, either via a tweet to @unicefusa or a message on Facebook. Together, we can help make sure that children in need will have 5th birthday photos of their own someday.
Such an amazing and important campaign! Everyone should upload their pics and share their wish for children worldwide! We CAN get to ZERO in our lifetime — so come on people! Join us and let’s get there together!
By this many people get to know about this… And i think by this cause many people have understood and are lending in their help:) Every child around the world should celebrate their 5th birthday like we did they too have same right as we did so by this campaign, its giving a shot to all those children to celebrate their 5th birthday! So why not!! I think we should all join in and stand up for all these wonderful children out there and tell them Happy Birthday on their 5th Birthday! My Prayers and Love to all the beautiful children out there. And i hope soon one day we will reach a point when there are ZERO unfortunate moments are plenty of birthday celebrators :) So come on Join in and do this for them:)
There has been much progress in reducing the amount of preventable deaths among children. With that said, there is still much to do. Many children will not live to experience their 5th birthday and that is a tragedy. UNICEF and all partners deserve much credit for saving lives, changing the horrific figures that plague mankind. The #5thBday movement deserves praise and recognition for its importance. Thank you all for making this movement a reality. To all the global leaders, I believe in ZERO and so should you.