Believe in ZERO

Hi –

Four years ago the number of children around the world who died every day of preventable causes – things like malnutrition, unsafe water, and diseases – stood at 26,000. Recently, UNICEF released figures showing that number has dropped to 19,000 – that's more than a 25% reduction in the mortality rate of children under 5 years old.

UNICEF has been fighting to bring that number to ZERO preventable childhood deaths. It may sound like a fantasy, but this recent announcement proves that we have the tools and technology to save millions of children. I believe it's possible. I believe in ZERO.

Child survival experts know how – and so much progress has been made since the first global commitment to end preventable deaths was made in 1982. The number of children dying needlessly every day has dropped from 39,000 to the recent amazing announcement of 19,000.

As encouraging as this progress is, it's not enough. We believe that number should be ZERO. And I know that if the world commits to ZERO, we can get there – and that's why I have signed a pledge to stand with UNICEF until ZERO children die of a preventable cause.

Please join me in signing the pledge. I truly believe we can get to ZERO, but only with the commitment and belief of people like you and me.

And when you sign the pledge by September 19, 1 packet of oral rehydration salts will be rushed to a child at risk of dehydration from life-threatening diarrhea – up to 10,000 packets – moving us even closer to ZERO.

With hope, and thanks,

Hermione