Janet Jackson: We Can Save Lives
I’m writing about a matter of life and death.
Around the world, nearly 1 in 4 children under the age of 5 doesn’t have enough to eat. We’re not just talking about kids going to bed hungry—we’re talking about kids who literally may not live through the night.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. What’s happening is completely preventable, and it won’t change unless we do something about it.
Janet Jackson—GRAMMY®Award-winning and Oscar® nominated artist, entertainer and actor—recorded a public service announcement and contributed this blog post urging people to support UNICEF in fighting child malnutrition.
I’m writing about a matter of life and death.
Around the world, nearly 1 in 4 children under the age of 5 doesn’t have enough to eat. We’re not just talking about kids going to bed hungry—we’re talking about kids who literally may not live through the night.
Malnutrition contributes to one-third of all child deaths worldwide. When it doesn’t kill outright, this silent crisis can lead to chronic illness, poverty and a life of limited opportunity.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. What’s happening to these children is completely preventable, and it won’t change unless we do something about it.
That’s why I hope you’ll join me in supporting UNICEF’s efforts to end child hunger and malnutrition. With a special gift, you have the power to help save a child’s life.
Every donation counts, and every day counts in the fight for children’s lives and futures.
During the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, good nutrition is especially crucial. Without it, disaster and tragedy can result—tiny bodies and brains can suffer irreparable damage.
Malnutrition can weaken young immune systems and act as a gateway for lethal diseases—children who are too ill to fight them off will never make it to their fifth birthday. Those who do survive may become stunted from a lack of nutrients, leading to impaired physical and intellectual development. The sad truth is that while severe acute malnutrition can kill a child, prolonged nutritional deprivation can kill a child’s potential.
That’s why I’d like your help right now. As a global leader working tirelessly for the rights of every child, UNICEF knows what it takes to treat and prevent malnutrition in children. Your generous donation today can help put proven and low-cost solutions to work—doable strategies that include:
- Providing special therapeutic food to quickly bring a child back from severe acute malnutrition;
- Teaching mothers about the benefits of breastfeeding for the first six months and providing children with vitamins and minerals for their first 1,000 days;
- Investing in programs that tackle poverty, boost local economies and put children’s rights and nutritional well-being on the top of every agenda.
