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 diarrhoea
and respiratory infections become fatal.
It is vital to ensure that children grow up healthy and
well-nourished by:
Casualties of War
During times of war, it is not only the bombs, landmines
and guns that kill and injure. Damage to water and sanitation
systems, homes, hospitals and basic infrastructure leaves
people vulnerable to disease and hunger. Physically, mentally
and socially, the people of a war-torn nation remain traumatised
long after the initial violence has subsided.
Islamic Relief's Work in Health and Nutrition
