Child - Risk factors

Risk Factors: Young children: Risks to child health include low birth weight, malnutrition, not breast feeding, overcrowded conditions, unsafe drinking water and food and poor hygiene practices. Prior to birth, a mother can increase her child's chance of survival and good health by attending antenatal care consultations, being immunized against tetanus, and avoiding smoking and use of alcohol. At the time of birth, a baby's chance of survival increases significantly with delivery in a health facility in the presence of a skilled birth attendant. Identifying and caring for illnesses in the infant and child is very important. Sick children must be taken immediately to a trained health care provider.

Older children: The global disease burden due to non-communicable diseases affecting children in childhood and later in life is rapidly increasing, even though many of the risk factors such as including indoor air pollution, overweight/obesity, poor diet and physical inactivity.  Preventing injuries due to road traffic accidents, drowning, falls and burns as well as violence require a multi-sectoral approach but are nonetheless important risks to consider for improving child health and well-being.