Save the Children recognizes the inextricable link between the wellbeing and survival of mothers and that of their children. Research has consistently shown that when mothers have health care, education and economic opportunities, both they and their children have the best chance to survive and thrive.

Saving Newborn Lives - A young Vietnamese mother and newborn.

Through groundbreaking programs, global advocacy and citizen mobilization, Save the Children creates lasting and positive change for children in need around the world through programs in health, HIV/AIDS, education, and economic opportunities.

Health
Save the Children’s health programs are designed to bring about sustainable improvements in the health status of children, families and communities, with special attention given to the needs of women and children.

• Saving Newborn Lives promotes the adoption of effective and affordable programs in communities and countries where newborn mortality rates are highest and access to known life-saving measures are limited.
• School Health and Nutrition positively impacts school-age children by giving them access to vitamin supplements, nutritious food, de-worming treatments, vision and hearing tests, dental care, wells and latrines.
• Child Survival addresses the most common and preventable causes of mortality and poor health among infants and children under five.
• Reproductive Health addresses the behaviors, practices and services that affect the reproductive health of women and adolescents.

Teacher works with child orphaned by AIDS in Community-Based Child Care Center.

HIV/AIDS
Save the Children’s fight against HIV/AIDS relies on a continuum of care for children and their families: prevention, ongoing care, and treatment. Community involvement and ownership is at the core of our efforts to identify and change beliefs and behaviors that spread the disease and to develop the skills and knowledge for affected communities to cope.

Education
Save the Children’s approach to education brings together families, communities and local governments to strengthen early childhood development and basic education for children. Our efforts address the needs particular to marginalized populations such as girls, ethnic minorities, and children affected by HIV/AIDS, wars and other catastrophes.

Economic Opportunities
Underlying these programs is the assumption that the economic empowerment of women through microenterprise (small business) activities will lead to direct gains for children. Studies demonstrate that a mother’s earnings tend to be the main source of funds for her children’s food, education and medical expenses.

In partnership with governments, communities and families, Save the Children helps communities create nurturing environments in which feasible and sustainable solutions are available to help improve the lives of children in need around the world.