Child healthcare:

The Global Struggle to Raise Physically

and Mentally Healthy Children

Abi Derdall
Mr.Toole
April 3rd, 2019
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“It is easier to build strong children than

to repair broken men”
1
-Frederick Douglass, 1855

1
DrAndrewRowland. “‘It Is Easier to Build Strong Children than to Repair Broken Men’ (Frederick Douglass, 1817-1895).” Dr Andrew
Rowland: Churchill Fellow of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, 26 Apr. 2014, drandrewrowland.wordpress.com/2014/04/25/it-is-easier-to-
build-strong-children-than-to-repair-broken-men-frederick-douglass-1817-1895/comment-page-1/.
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Table of Contents

Preface……………………………………………………………………………...3
Definition…………………………………………………………………………...4
Significance………………………………………………..…………………….....7
Background………………………………………………………………………....9
Expert…………………...…………………………………………………..……..12
Role of Control…..…………………………………………………………..……15
International Organizations……………...……………………………………......17
Case studies
Liberia…………………………………………………………………...…20
Haiti……………………………………………………………………...…24
USA……………………………………………………………………..….27
Canadian Connection……………………………………………………………...31
Logic of Evil……………………………………………………………………....35
Solutions……………………………………………………………………...….. 39
Appendix……………………...………………………………………….…….….4
2
Bibliography...……………………………………………………………….……44
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Preface

Raising a child is one of the most difficult things to do in life. They are so fragile and
easily shaped. Every experience forms who they are and who they will be as an individual.
Children are being taught life lessons by the world around them that will impact the decisions
they make 30 years from now. The intricacies of their brains are being formed and they are
constantly developing and changing. If a child is not given the opportunity to reach their full
potential, they are left in a cycle of poverty and destruction, each new generation learning the
negativity and pain from the last. This is a major issue that will affect the future of our planet.
Raising reliable and successful global citizens will greatly improve the possible future of people
around the world.
Using the base definition of healthcare: one’s mental and physical wellbeing, this paper
will look into locations around the world that are unable to successfully obtain proper healthcare
for physical injuries as well as emotional needs. It will also explore why healthcare has become
such a difficult service to obtain. The prominence of certain illnesses and health obstructions for
children will be discussed and well as the historic events in certain countries that have
contributed to the current state of their children's health.
Although this is a very broad topic to cover, there are similar causes and effects in each
situation. These similarities can also be found in the efforts being made to decrease the
prevalence of this issue. Many international organizations are involved in helping children in
developing countries as well as first world countries. Every area has its own difficulties and is
combating its own specific issues, but they can be resolved with similar solutions. This issue will
impact the entire world. Children are our future, and as of right now, it is looking pretty bleak.

Definition

Since humans first left their footprints on this earth, they have found ways to survive,
endure pain, heal and ultimately aspire to prosper. From spiritual rituals to surgery, new ways to
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be healthier and better overall are constantly being sought out. This constant search for self-
improvement and aid has turned into the system we call healthcare.
Healthcare is defined as the provision of what is necessary for one's health and wellbeing.
In Canada, there is a free healthcare system. There are walk-in clinics and hospitals in cities.
There is no need to pay $2,500 for a broken leg like citizens of other countries, all that needs to
be done is to find transportation to the hospital. In some countries, healthcare can be more
expensive, and in others, it is rarely accessible or available. The definition of healthcare is:
having systems that help one to be free from illness or injury and in a good mental and physical
condition. This includes physical needs such as an injured limb and injuries that require trips to a
doctor’s office, as well as mental/emotional needs such as good mental health and counseling.
Many developing countries are not able to provide advanced healthcare as North America or
parts of Europe can. Countries with undeveloped economies and poor infrastructure are referred
to as second or third world countries. Clean water, indoor plumbing2 and other luxuries that are
commonly taken for granted are not available. Many of these impoverished developing countries
are struggling to have a thriving population because they are underdeveloped.
According to the Oxford dictionary, the definition of struggling is; “Strive to achieve or
attain something in the face of difficulty or resistance”. All around the world people want to
obtain the adequate care needed for their youth, but they don't have the ability. Whether that
means providing physical treatments or emotional care, they are striving for enhanced wellbeing.
Within a majority of developing countries, the average age of the population is relatively
young compared to Canada. For comparison, in India, the average demographic of the population
is about 28 years of age3, while Canada is about 40 years. 50% of India’s population is under 25,
and 28.6% of the population is children under the age of 144. By the time a child turns 14, the
key developmental years of a child are coming to an end and they are entering the second stage
of their life. The core values and practices of a person are mostly formed and they begin their
transition into adulthood. This is why children specifically, because of the essential moments that
occur from birth to 12 years of age, are crucial to research and understand. This comprehension

2
Banton, Caroline. “The Meaning of the Term Third World.” Investopedia, Investopedia, 7 Mar. 2019, www.investopedia.com/terms/t/third-
world.asp.

3
“India - Median Age of the Population 1950-2050 | Statistic.” Statista, Statista, www.statista.com/statistics/254469/median-age-of-the-
population-in-india/.
4
“Demographics of India.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 13 Feb. 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_India.
 5

of youth can equip families with the ability to raise children that will enter adulthood with
confidence, knowing that they are well equipped for the many trials they may encounter
throughout their life. In an article titled “The Importance of Early Bonding on the Long Term
Mental Health and Resilience of Children”, it states that the first two years of a child life is
where crucial brain development occurs, and from then on, the next 8 years are when the child is
constantly learning, and they begin to be shaped into a person with their own opinions and
thoughts5. This age is so crucial to the formation of positive mental and physical health of a
child. As children are given treatments for their illnesses and good coping strategies to improve
their mental health, new opportunities will become available to them as they mature. This will, in
turn, prepare them up for a successful life that they can enjoy, and contribute to society.
There are multiple technical terms used when discussing the healthcare that will aid in the
specifics of certain topics such as public health in developing countries and mental health in
developed countries. There are multiple diseases that affect children's health, in the context of
this subject, a disease is: a disorder of structure or function in a human, animal, or plant,
especially one that produces specific signs or symptoms or that affects a specific location and is
not simply a direct result of physical injury. Also in relation to physical illnesses, there are
bacterial and viral infections. Bacteria is a microorganism that can be treated with an antibiotic
while a virus requires a host to survive and can cause disease, can not be treated with an
antibiotic6.
Finally, mental health plays a large role in the overall well being of a child, mental health
is described as the condition of one's psychological and emotional well being7. Mental health can
be a positive phenomenon as well as a negative one.
This struggle for adequate child healthcare in developing countries is not uncommon.
These locations have been in need of aid for a long time. Strides have been made to improve the
life of these new lives, but this issue continues to persist.

5
Winston, Robert, and Chicot, Rebecca. “The Importance of early bonding on the long-term mental health and resiliance of children” 28250823.
Feb. 24, 2016, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5330336/
6
“Do I Need An Antibiotic? Know the Difference Between Viral and Bacterial Infections.” Healthy Me PA, 25 Oct. 2018,
www.healthymepa.com/2017/02/21/do-you-need-antibiotics/.
7
“What Is Mental Health?” What Is Mental Health? | MentalHealth.gov, www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/what-is-mental-health.
 6

Significance

Children are the future. If we don’t have children, we don’t have anything to progress our
planet. There would be no one left to carry on one’s legacy, make the world better, inspire
people, care for people. Information should be made available on how one can raise children
correctly, give them support and strategies so that they can improve themselves. Give them
strategies to help themselves and others. Our world is evolving at a rapid speed. The
opportunities are endless and we can progress so much further with healthy strong leaders. Right
now, healthcare, or lack thereof, is such a prominent issue in our world. Many developing
countries have diseases that are easily transferred because of a lack of healthcare support. “The
World Health Report, 2002 states that diseases of poverty account for 45% of the disease burden
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in the countries with high poverty rate which are preventable or treatable with exciting
interventions8 ”. Because of the extreme poverty in developing countries, they are unable to
receive the necessary care to prevent illness from transferring to others in a community.
As well as physical illnesses increasing, suicide rates are also on the rise with mental
health disorders becoming more and more common. In the United States of America in 2014,
there were 5,079 youth suicides (ages 15-24) recorded9. This is about 13 suicides daily. This
devastating issue can be greatly decreased by educating children about the importance of good
mental health. This will produce more prosperous citizens thus allowing the country to prosper.
Economies will improve, people will be able to work, provide, and not just survive but thrive.
Children are the future, they are one of the reasons why humans are alive, the main
underlying purpose in a species life is to reproduce and create new, better and stronger
generations. Charles Darwin’s theory, Descent with Modification, states that as species create
offspring, they will adapt to their environment. Each generation will be a little stronger, and
more equipped to survive. At this moment, the new generation is doing the opposite, they are
becoming weaker and deteriorating. In 2017 about 4.1 million children died within their first
year of life10. To put this into perspective, that is about 29 times more people than the population
of Barrie, Ontario.
There are so many people who could have made a difference, spoken out against
violence, made someone smile, been a wife, husband, mother or father. These people could have
had full lives, but they did not get to. Within many societies, people have abundant privileges.
They are able to drive to the clinic, go to the drugstore and buy some Advil. Many services are
offered to help others cope. In developing countries, a large majority do not have that chance, in
the African nations, statistically, there are only 0.21 doctors for every 100 people while in
developed countries it is upwards of three. Also, these nations have about 1 nurse per 1000 while
in Canada there are closer to 811. These people in developing nations have to fight for their lives
every day, while those in privileged areas do not give it a second thought.

8
“Diseases of Poverty.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 15 Mar. 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diseases_of_poverty.
9
“Teenage Suicide in the United States.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 2 May 2019,
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teenage_suicide_in_the_United_States.
10
“Infant Mortality.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, 27 Sept. 2018,
www.who.int/gho/child_health/mortality/neonatal_infant_text/en/.
11
Peters, David H., et al. “Poverty and Access to Health Care in Developing Countries.” Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, John
Wiley & Sons, Ltd (10.1111), 25 July 2008, nyaspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1196/annals.1425.011.
 8

This is a global issue because of the wide range of people it effects. In every single
country, there are children who are neglected and do not have access to the necessary healthcare
services. It is no surprise that children get injured and will battle a mental illness at some point in
their life. The world needs to be able to have a sustainable population. Healthy children have the
ability to be healthy adults that can make a change. The planet humans call earth is far from
perfect, but a thriving generation can take it one step closer.

Background

Child healthcare has always been an issue. The base of this issue has evolved over time
and it is still very prominent today. In the 1700s, the amount of information and research
available on birth and child illness was very limited, and as a result of that, many children died
because of unsanitized tools used to cut the umbilical cord12. Children born in present day
Canada, do not need to be concerned about this issue. Although Canada has improved their
availability of child health resources they still have a long way to go. Developed countries, like
Canada, still have neglected areas and more complex needs, for example, the Territories. Due to
the fact that they are so far north, they have limited access to nutritional food and professionals
in certain fields. In the United States, they may have access to health services when a leg is
broken, but there is an epidemic of childhood obesity that is continuing to grow.

12
“Early New England Ancestors.” American Ancestors, www.americanancestors.org/features/early-new-england.
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In developed countries, the technology we have and the wealth of knowledge available
are astounding. This isn’t the case for many developing first world countries. The focus of those
countries is to just survive. They are only focusing on the politics, trade and financial side of the
government not on the specific needs of the citizens. Healthcare is not their utmost priority.
Some strides have been made to further improve access to pediatric care. There are many
organizations and people who have contributed to the aid of this issue. UNICEF, WHO, World
Vision, Red Cross to name a few.
Africa has many issues with child healthcare and infant mortality. In 2011 one in nine
children did not survive past the age of 5 in Sub-Saharan Africa13. Their lack of resources makes
it difficult for the government to provide all the needed institutions and infrastructure. They have
been known for misusing their money and land. A large amount of the money given from foreign
aid is spent on weapons and used poorly because of corrupt governments. “Corruption is one of
the several factors that have hindered African economic development, a governance issue with a
wide variety of deleterious social and political consequences.”14
If a country is unable to maintain a steady economic status, it will not be able to support
its citizens. Many African countries are currently corrupt, not just within the government. The
citizens also use unfair ways to get what they need. Police officers will accept bribes, and
civilians can bribe doctors to be helped sooner. This state of corruption and poverty directly
affects the access to sufficient health support for children.
Of course, included in child healthcare is mental health. Mental health issues are
becoming more and more common, according to Child’s Mental Health Ontario, 1 in 5 children
and youth will experience a mental health problem15. This number has risen dramatically in the
past 50 years. A study presented by the American Psychological Association stated that children
today have more anxiety than child psychiatric patients did in the 1950s16. Why has this
happened? We have come so far, our technology is rapidly advancing, countries have been
developed, education is better and we have more access to knowledge. What is going so wrong
that so many children are constantly anxious and depressed? A common answer to this question

13
“Maternal and Newborn Health.” UNICEF, 7 Nov. 2016, www.unicef.org/health/index_maternalhealth.html.
14
“Geographies of African Corruption.” EmeraldInsight, www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/full/10.1108/PRR-12-2016-0012.
15
“Key Facts & Data Points.” Children's Mental Health Ontario - Children's Mental Health Ontario, www.cmho.org/education-resources/facts-
figures.
16
American Psychological Association, American Psychological Association, www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2000/12/anxiety.
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is the decrease in active play in children. Although technology is greatly improving, it means we
are spending more time on it and less time interacting with the real world. This directly relates to
the importance of play in the development of a child. When they play they are learning how to
problem solve, be independent and interact with people and things17. The increase in
communication, social media use and technological devices limits the legitimate personal
connections one actually makes. In appendix A, the more developed areas have more issues with
mental health and substance use. The lack of legitimate connections and support of youth are the
main causes of anxiety and depression.
Another reason for the lack of resources and stable economic status is the colonization of
these areas in the past, that have left them destroyed and stripped of their value, for example, the
colonization of the Congo by the Belgians. Up until the 1800s, the land, known now as the
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was uncolonized and unscathed by European travelers. In
1885 King Leopold II established the Congo Free State, in 1908 it became the Belgian Congo
and finally, in 1960 the Congo gained independence. The Congolese people endured so many
struggles and hardships. Many of them were murdered and severely mistreated as slaves. In the
60s when the DRC gained independence, they were left in shambles. There have been two civil
wars in the Congo since then and many conflicts. This colonization has drained the Government.
They have invested so much power into other political issues that they have neglected the basic
needs of the people. The DRC is one of the poorest countries in the world, all because of the
control the Belgic government had over them.18
Looking at the two main aspects of child healthcare, mental and physical health, the
government and advancement/lack of technology are the main contributors to failing healthcare
systems.

17
“The Decline of Play and Rise in Children's Mental Disorders.” Psychology Today, Sussex
Publishers,www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/freedom-learn/201001/the-decline-play-and-rise-in-childrens-mental-disorders.
18
“History of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 14 Feb. 2019,
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo.
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Expert

In every occupational field, there are certain individuals who have worked hard and
become extremely educated in their area of study. Many people have dedicated their lives to the
exploration of children's health all around the world. Leah Bartlett is a local pediatrician who has
experience with missions work across Canada and developing countries. Dr. Bartlett completed a
bachelor degree, and then applied to Mcmaster for medical school. After she completed medical
school she went to Queen’s University for a 4-year pediatric residency program. She began her
practice in 2009 and she is the medical director of the Complex Care Program: Hospital for Sick
Children in the Royal Victoria Hospital19. She has been asked some questions to get a better
understanding of her job and what she has experienced in developing countries as well as our
own.

1. What do you do for a living?

I am a pediatrician

2. What schooling process did you go through to get where you are today?

19
“Who We Are.” Barrie Paediatric Associates, 9 Jan. 2018, barriepaediatrics.com/who-we-are/.
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I completed a bachelor degree in University and then applied for medical school. I
completed medical school at McMaster University and then went to Queen's University
for 4 years to do a residency program in Pediatrics.

3. How do you think Canada is dong in regards to the healthcare system we have in place
for children?
In comparison to many other countries in the world health care in Canada is excellent.
We certainly have a long way to go, but in most communities health care is accessible
and available to those who need it. I have done some work in Iqaluit, Nunavut -There are
many factors associated with poor health in children and adolescents in these
communities ie - poverty, substandard housing and poor access to health. Some of the
major areas of health issues for children are as follows: Leading cause of death for
aboriginal children is unintentional injury ie motor vehicle collisions, drowning and fires.
In addition some of the common issues we see in health continue to be: Increased
suicidality, tobacco, alcohol and inhalant use for youth and adolescents, Obesity and the
complications of Type II diabetes.

4. What places in the world are struggling to get suitable healthcare for the younger
population?
This is hard to generalize, but most 2nd and 3rd world countries have struggles with
health in children and youth as they are the most vulnerable population.

5. Why is it so difficult to get healthcare in these places?

Many factors - poverty and lack of education is common, but other factors such as lack
of infrastructure, war, government etc are all determinants of health.

6. Do you find that developing countries tend to have more physical health problems while
developed countries have more mental health challenges?
While this is a gross generalization certainly we see more mental issues here in Canada in
child and youth than I have ever encountered overseas. That being said there are medical
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health problems that we encounter across cultures no matter the state of the medical
system.

7. What is the main cause of illness in struggling areas?

Probably infectious disease ie malaria, TB, diarrheal illness etc.

8. What is the best thing that can be done to help?

If you educate people, you give them a chance at a job to make money which will then
allow them to have sanitation, safe home environment, healthy family, food to eat.

9. What is the hardest part of your job?

Seeing children die and not being able to change that.

10. What is the best part of your job?

Being a part of a family's life and helping through challenging illness.

Through this interview, Dr. Leah Bartlett has talked about the differences in health issues
in our own country and developing countries. She touched on the Indigenous people’s struggles
and the difficulties they have with getting proper healthcare resources and access to
professionals. She also spoke about the vulnerability of youth in third world countries and the
most common causes of illness in these areas. The solution she offered for this issue was the
education of citizens in developing countries. When people are educated in developing countries,
many opportunities begin to arise and they have a greatly increased possibility of a successful
life. When all children have access to education their minds are strengthened. So many more
doors are opened for them and their family. Education leads to a job, a job leads to money and
money can get clean water, food, and sanitation. These then make the way for a healthy life.
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Role of Control

With any issue, big or small, there is a cause, something that has set off a chain of events
and triggered a reaction. There is always someone who has an effect on the issue and someone
who has the ability to solve the issue. In the case of child health, most commonly, the role of
control falls toward the government. When asked about the role that the government plays in
child healthcare, Gwynne Dyer a Canadian journalist and graduate from King's College in
London, the University of London, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Rice University
in Houston, Texas stated that: “ the first thing is to actually have some kind of national health
service.” In Canada, the federal government is responsible for the structure of the Canada Health
Act and setting the standards for it. They also aid with funding, support, and delivery of the
provincial and territorial health services. Each provincial government has its own healthcare
plans for their citizens. These plans allow them to visit the needed doctors and hospitals without
a direct cost. Ontario's health care plan is called OHIP or the Ontario Health Insurance Plan. This
plan allows for citizens to have adequate access to healthcare20. On the other hand, in developing
countries such as Angola, Africa, the healthcare system is failing many people. In an article
written by the WHO (appendix B), it states that Angola has been through a civil war that killed
over 1 million people. Many citizens had to leave and immigrate elsewhere. Healthcare is
underfunded, infrastructure has been destroyed. About 30-40% of the population has to travel for
long periods of time to get help and there are minimal healthcare facilities located in cities and
towns21. Clinics and hospitals have limited access to supplies and are unable to effectively care
for their patients.

20
Canada, Health. “Canada's Health Care System.” Canada.ca, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 22 Aug. 2016,
www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/canada-health-care-system.html.
21
Ita. “Healthcare Resource Guide: Angola (2018).” Export.gov - Cosmetics,
2016.export.gov/industry/health/healthcareresourceguide/eg_main_108559.asp.
 15

Because these governments do not provide the needed resources, the citizens of these
struggling areas are unable to provide for their family and be successful in their everyday life. In
many underdeveloped countries, the power the Government has over the population silences
their voices. In Canada, there are many freedoms and rights that protect the citizens and keep
governments accountable. If suitable healthcare was no longer provided, there would be many
protests and conflicts with the government. Because of its democratic structure as well as our
rights and freedoms, its residents are able to speak out about the issues they are concerned with.
Canadians are privileged to live in an area that allows our voices and opinions to be heard. The
citizens of Canada have the ability to change the control, they have to power to help those who
are unable to help themselves.
Overall the main contributors to this global issue of inadequate child health are distracted
governments and the inability of citizens to speak out without fear of prosecution. With an
effective government that listens to the will of its people, many dangerous situations involving
the health of children would be greatly reduced.
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International Organizations

International organizations are groups that have been organized that expand throughout
the world. They are in direct contact with many countries and are working towards a goal to
better the world. Child health and wellbeing has become such a prominent issue that it has
spurred many to create an organization that works towards helping and saving children globally.

UNICEF
UNICEF (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund) is an international
organization that is present in 190 countries. They work to include all children and restore basic
rights to many kids across the globe. They believe that every child has the right to survive and
thrive. They have partnered with many governments to help provide healthcare for nations. Their
mission is to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs and to
expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. Unicef has recognized the continuous
circle of poverty and poor health in countries around the world. If a citizen has a severe illness,
they are unable to work. This means that they do not get the money needed to care for their
families or for medical treatment. Because of this, their illness increases and the cycle continues.
UNICEF is moving towards improving child health so that they can break this cycle and work
towards a life of prosperity. When explaining the causes of illness and death UNICEF says that
“Poverty and the failure to ensure universal access to basic social services are to blame”. The
hope for the future of this organization is to “end preventable maternal, newborn and child deaths
and promote the health and development of all children.”22

World Vision

22
“The Big Picture.” UNICEF, 8 Jan. 2014, www.unicef.org/health/index_bigpicture.html.
 17

World Vision is a Christian charity that works toward creating lasting changes for
families in poverty. They work in 50 countries worldwide and they have provided about 164,00
vaccinations to women and children. On their website, children are able to be sponsored. This
sponsorship means they are provided with the necessities of life; food, water, and healthcare.
This available sponsorship not only helps the child but also helps the family come out of poverty.
There are over 50 countries with children that can be sponsored, and for each country, the
sponsorship money is used in a way that directly caters to the needs of the area. For example, in
Honduras, they are focusing on educating youth on how to effectively use land and irrigation to
be successful and sustainable. This organization continues to make a difference in many people's
lives, and not just the ones who receive the aid. This organization gives families in well-
developed areas the opportunity to learn about the circumstances of many different people
around the world, and how to make a difference.23

Childsafe
Childsafe is an international organization based in South Africa. This organization wants
to encourage “optimal health and development of all children”. They want to educate people on
the causes of childhood injuries and work towards preventing them. They educate families about
safe in home practices such as fires, safe driving, and pedestrian safety. They also work with the
Red Cross Children's Hospital, Trauma Unit. Overall they want to create a safe and healthy
environment for children to learn and grow in. 24

Save a child’s heart

This is a non-profit organization that works in developing countries to provide cardiac
care for pediatric patients. They want to improve the wellbeing and health of these children in

23
“About Us.” World Vision Canada, www.worldvision.ca/about-us.
24
“Childsafe - Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Southern Africa (CAPFSA).” Choking and Suffocation Prevention of Children -
ChildSafe, www.childsafe.org.za/.
 18

need regardless of their age, religion or nationality. They have worked in 57 countries and helped
over 4500 patients. Their medical center is based in Holon, Israel. People from all around the
globe come to this center to get help as well as professionals traveling to places for procedures.
They have provided surgery, educated many doctors and done many mission trips. This
organization began in 1995 and has seen over 370 different cases since then. Their mission is to
improve the lives of children with cardiac struggles and give them new opportunities. “Mend
hearts. Build bridges” is the overarching goal of this organization.25

These international organizations are crucial to the improvement of a child's life through
their mental and physical health. They provide support for children and their surrounding
families thus giving them the opportunity to succeed in life. They are working to achieve a goal
that is greater than just one organization, they are working to make the world a place where
everyone can excel and the future of children is brighter.

Case studies

All over the world, there are countries in a constant struggle to care for their young
population. From the areas in northern Africa to the present situations taking place in in the
Americas, children in every country each have their own daily conflicts.

25
“Save a Child's Heart.” Save a Child's Heart, www.saveachildsheart.org/.
 19

Liberia
Within the entire continent of Africa, there is a struggle to obtain and maintain proper
healthcare facilities and sanitation. These factors are one of the many reasons why Africa has
many developing countries with high mortality rates. Out of all of the HIV/AIDS cases
worldwide, 60% of them occur in Africa, along with 90% of all malaria cases26. In the western
area of Africa, Liberia is a country that has many of these health concerns in its children. It has a
population of about 4.7 million, and 43.82% of this population is under the age of 1527, this
means almost half of the population is only entering the beginning stage of their life. About 86%
of the population lives off of only $3.10 USD daily28, 64% of the population lives off of $1.90
USD daily and 54% of the population lives below the poverty line. Poverty in Liberia is an issue
that contributes to many of the countries struggles and it is one of the many reasons why
Liberia's child healthcare system is ineffective.
In the past years, Liberia has been involved in two civil wars that can be attributed to the
destruction of their infrastructure, and its economic instability. In 1989-1996, the first war
occurred. It accounted for the loss of over 200,000 lives, as well as the relocation of many
refugees relocated and a severely damaged economy29. The second civil war took place in 1999
and ended in 2003 when the president of Liberia resigned. Anywhere from 150,000-300,000
people were killed30, many of which being child soldiers. Both of these civil wars have to lead to
the state the country is in now. The use of child soldiers was normalized and common on both
sides of this fight. Children were neglected, and taken from their homes and were seen as
strategic advancements, not the innocent kids they were.
In Liberia, the general health of its children is substandard. In a study done in 2010, it
was stated that “42% of Liberian children aged under 5 years are stunted, increasing their risk of
dying from normal childhood illness and risk of chronic illness later in life31.” A large majority

26
“The African Regional Health Report: The Health of the People.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, 25 Aug. 2017,
www.who.int/bulletin/africanhealth/en/.
27
“Liberia Age Structure.” Liberia Age Structure - Demographics, www.indexmundi.com/liberia/age_structure.html.
28
“Poverty Rate in Liberia.” The Borgen Project, borgenproject.org/tag/poverty-rate-in-liberia/.
29
“Impacts of the War.” Liberia: Impacts of the War | PeacebuildingData.org, www.peacebuildingdata.org/research/liberia/about-
liberia/impacts-war.
30
“Second Liberian Civil War.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 2 May 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Liberian_Civil_War.
31
“African Health Observatory.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization,
www.aho.afro.who.int/profiles_information/index.php/Liberia:Child_and_adolescent_health.
 20

of the children born in this country are more susceptible to the illnesses already within the
population. The child mortality rate of Liberia is about 75 deaths per 1000 live births32. In
comparison, Canada's child mortality rate is 5 per 1000.
There are many illnesses in Liberia that affect their children daily. HIV/AIDS is a very
prominent disease within the entire population. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus is
contracted by the contact of certain body fluids. Due to the poor sanitation in many third world
countries, this is a common occurrence. For example, in a healthcare center in Liberia, if
someone was treated in the facility who was HIV positive, and the equipment used was not
properly sanitized, another patient could contract this virus. Mothers with HIV/AIDS have the
potential to pass this virus on to their children when they are born. Close to 40% of the births in
Liberia take place at home without a professional present33. The factors of poor sanitation and
unmonitored births contribute to the very high rate of infection because of easy transmission. It is
possible for someone with this virus to receive treatment to prolong their life. This treatment is
called Antiretroviral Therapy(ART) and it can be very expensive. It can cost $9000 to $12,000
for each year34. Only 11% of the children affected by HIV/AIDS receive access to ART
treatment due to the fact that a majority of Liberians live off of less than $2 a day. This treatment
is rarely an option. The Liberian government created the National AIDS and STI Control
Programme shortly after the first case of AIDS was identified in Liberia. The main focus of this
program is “preventing new infection in the general population and from mother-to-child
transmission, providing quality care to those affected and infected by HIV/AIDS and mitigating
the impact caused by HIV and AIDS35.” The state of the HIV/AIDS situation is slowly
improving, and, since the year 2010, new cases of HIV have decreased by 47% in children aged
zero to fourteen36. Although this is still a major issue, it is slowly becoming less prominent
bringing hope to future generations.
Another common illness in Liberia is malaria. Malaria is caused by a specific parasite
called the Plasmodium parasite. This parasite can be present in certain types of mosquitoes and it

32
“Liberia Child Mortality Rate, 1960-2018.” Knoema, knoema.com/atlas/Liberia/Child-mortality-rate.
33
“The Situation for Children in Liberia.” UNICEF Liberia, www.unicef.org/liberia/situation-children-liberia.
34
“HIV Treatment Is Costly, Especially for the Sickest Patients.” HIV & AIDS Information, www.aidsmap.com/HIV-treatment-is-costly-
especially-for-the-sickest-patients/page/1516347/.
35
“African Health Observatory.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization,
www.aho.afro.who.int/profiles_information/index.php/Liberia:HIV/AIDS.
36
“Children, HIV and AIDS.” AVERT, 21 Aug. 2018, www.avert.org/professionals/hiv-social-issues/key-affected-populations/children.
 21

is transferred to humans through the proboscis of the mosquito. Malaria can cause fever,
headache, extreme nausea, and exhaustion. It is a deadly disease and can put those infected into
comas and greatly impede brain function37. In 2005 the prevalence of malaria in children under
the age of five was 32%, and 38.3% of all malaria cases were in children under the age of 5. This
is still a major health concern in Liberia and many African countries. Although there are multiple
treatments and medications, the symptoms of malaria are often mistaken for other illness such as
the flu, which can lead to patients receiving an incorrect treatment. Although malaria can be
commonly diagnosed and treated in many people, the use of the same medication on the illness
can create an antibiotic resistance38. When certain types of parasites are exposed to the same
antibody, they begin to build a resistance to it, thus becoming immune to the medications. This
will then render the treatment useless and endanger the condition of the patient. The in-patient
death rate for malaria is about 42% in Liberia, and about 44% of children under 5 die in
healthcare facilities because of this disease39. The National Malaria Control Programme is a
Liberian organization that works to control the activity and intensity of malaria in Liberia
borders. The access to receiving the proper treatments for this illness in very poor and often
many mistakes are made, affecting children and women the greatest.
Finally, one of the largest causes of death in Liberian children is Diarrheal Diseases.
These are diseases that contain viral or bacterial components with a common symptom of
diarrhea. It is caused by poor sanitation and unsafe drinking water and can be transferred from
person to person. This disease mainly affects young children because of their developing
immune systems which makes them more susceptible to infections and malnutrition. Every
diarrheal episode increases the risk of dehydration, leading to more severe malnutrition or, in
other cases, consumption of contaminated drinking water. This type of disease is the leading
cause of child mortality worldwide and is responsible for taking the lives of approximately
525,000 children yearly40. The World Health Organization is working to increase access to safe
drinking water and proper sanitation, research new preventative measures and treatments as well
as educating the public.

37
“CDC - Malaria - About Malaria - Disease.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
www.cdc.gov/malaria/about/disease.html.
38
“Liberia General Health Risks: Malaria.” IAMAT, www.iamat.org/country/liberia/risk/malaria.
39
Geterminah, Hannah N. “Liberia: 'Malaria Causes 44% of Death Among Children Under 5'.” AllAfrica.com, 26 Apr. 2018,
allafrica.com/stories/201804260539.html.
40
“Diarrhoeal Disease.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diarrhoeal-disease.
 22

All of these illnesses have had a severe effect on society. Liberia's Infant Mortality rate is
quite high and there is a multitude of health concerns in each community. Citizens are struggling
daily, not only to provide for their family but to keep them alive. An average woman in Liberia
will have about 5 children. This means 5 more mouths to feed and a higher possibility of a child
becoming seriously ill. Also, within a typical home, extended family lives under the same roof,
which will increase the spread of contracted illnesses to the children and other family members41.
This potential of losing a child has become normalized to a degree. The people in Liberia know
nothing other than these high death and disease rates for children. Many rely on spiritual healers
and traditional medicine as a way to help the sick, where, although this is a big part of the
culture, some need professional aid and do not receive it, thus worsening the situation. For
example, the foreign treatments to the outbreak of the Ebola virus lead many to turn to traditional
medicines which allowed for the virus to be spread rapidly and with ease throughout
communities42.
After the Ebola outbreak in Liberia, the country realized the importance of preparation
and functioning healthcare systems. Although many areas have had losses of both citizens and
healthcare workers, it was an eye-opening event that has lead to the improvements that are
present today. These improvements can be seen through aid from many international
organizations, including the WHO and UNICEF, as well as the US government. These
improvements were lead by the Liberian Ministry of Health43. The world bank is also working on
a Health Systems Strengthening Project to work towards improving maternal and child health44.
Liberia has come a long way from their civil wars and destruction, but there are many areas that
need improvement, and changes to occur. Public health facilities need to be made more
accessible to everyone as well as treatments. Future generations should be able to establish
strong and healthy communities that will endure.

41
“Cultural Approaches to Pediatric Palliative Care in Central Massachusetts: Liberian.” Resource Guides,
libraryguides.umassmed.edu/c.php?g=499760&p=3422595.
42
Manguvo, Angellar, and Benford Mafuvadze. “The impact of traditional and religious practices on the spread of Ebola in West Africa: time
for a strategic shift.” The Pan African medical journal vol. 22 Suppl 1,Suppl 1 9. 10 Oct. 2015, doi:10.11694/pamj.supp.2015.22.1.6190
43
“After Ebola, Liberia's Health System on Path to Recovery.” World Bank, www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2017/06/07/after-ebola-
liberias-health-system-on-path-to-recovery.
44
“Projects & Operations.” Projects, projects.worldbank.org/P128909/liberia-health-systems-strengthening?lang=en.
 23

Haiti
Haiti is a north-central Caribbean country that shares the island of Hispaniola with the
Dominican Republic. Haiti’s recent ecological impacts, as well as past historical events, have
contributed to its current healthcare system. Throughout the entire western hemisphere, Haiti is
one of the poorest countries. The average poverty rate is 58%, and 24% of the population lives in
extreme poverty which means that they live off of less than $1.25 each day45. About 33% of the
population is under the age of 1446. The child mortality rate for children under 5 is about 72 per
1000 deaths47 which is extremely high and is partially due to the large scale natural disasters.
In 2010 there was an earthquake that measured a 7 on the moment magnitude scale. This
earthquake had an extremely devastating effect with 52 aftershocks48. After this event, the child
mortality rate skyrocketed from 83 per 1000 to 210 per 1000. From homes and businesses to
hospitals, many were left with nothing, Haiti was devastated. Infrastructure was destroyed as
well as major health facilities that were greatly needed in this crisis. In addition to the massive
level of destruction from the earthquake, Haiti's government has previously endured many
destabilizing events such as wars and governmental changes49. These changes have lead to the
degradation of infrastructure and little available to financially support its citizens. Haiti spent at
least $8 billion on reparations to its infrastructure and over $13 billion was donated to support
them50. Although they have raised a large number of donations, Haiti continues to have many
difficulties. This inability to stabilize the country is a contributing factor to the fact that many
children are not getting the needed healthcare, thus contributing to the rise in child mortality
rates. Although Haiti has many struggles, cholera, and malnutrition are some of the main health
concerns for the young population51.
In many developing countries, malnutrition is a large issue. Countries do not have enough
money to provide the quantity of resources needed by their citizens, who do not have enough

45
“Poverty in Haiti.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 20 Feb. 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poverty_in_Haiti.
46
“Haiti Demographics Profile 2018.” Haiti Demographics Profile 2018, CIA World Factbook,
www.indexmundi.com/haiti/demographics_profile.html.
47
“Haiti Child Mortality Rate, 1960-2018.” Knoema, knoema.com/atlas/Haiti/Child-mortality-rate.
48
“2010 Haiti Earthquake.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 26 Mar. 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_Haiti_earthquake.
49
“Examining Causes of Poverty in Haiti.” The Borgen Project, 19 Mar. 2018, borgenproject.org/causes-of-poverty-in-haiti/.
50
Amadeo, Kimberly. “Haiti's 2010 Earthquake Caused Lasting Damage.” The Balance, The Balance, 18 Jan. 2019, www.thebalance.com/haiti-
earthquake-facts-damage-effects-on-economy-3305660.
51
Cianelli, Rosina, et al. “Maternal - Child Health Needs Assessment in Haiti.” International Journal of Applied Science and Technology, U.S.
National Library of Medicine, Oct. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4469393/.
 24

money to buy the resources that are available. In Haiti, 1 in every 5 children does not have access
to proper food sources that will provide them with their needed nutrition to sustain them. In
addition, 1 of every 10 Haitian children is extremely malnourished. Malnutrition is an issue that
can lead to severe repercussions in a child's future. Children who do not have access to the
required nutrients can mature with physical and mental development effects52. A study was
conducted by a team of researchers in Haiti about the correlation between mental development
and nutritional status. They state that “Findings indicated a statistically significant relationship
between nutritional level and mental maturity level. Children with the most severe malnutrition
in the original survey were found in significant numbers in the lowest quartile of mental maturity
test scores53.” In only 10 years of development, a child can be permanently affected by the lack
of stable food sources. Due to the recent earthquake and hurricane in Haiti, the country is
struggling more than ever to agriculturally and economically provide for its children.
Organizations like UNICEF are taking initiative and have made it possible to help the current
food crisis in Haiti. They are seeking to help 681,500 children who will be treated for
malnutrition, given vaccinations and educated about the importance of sanitation as well as
providing access to clean, safe drinking water54.
Another illness that is prominent in Haiti is cholera. This an infectious disease that often
affects the small intestine. This infection is typically caused by consuming infected materials like
food and water55. In Haiti, the infrastructure is in a state of disrepair. Access to proper sanitation
and waste management is limited. Children are typically infected because of the presence of the
infection within their parents or family, as well as in contaminated water. The immune systems
of younger children are not yet strong enough to fight off potential bacteria and infections 56. This
puts children at a greater risk of contracting the infection and becoming ill.
Cholera can cause vomiting increased heart rate, exhaustion as well as severe diarrhea57.
When a child has cholera, they become dehydrated and are unable to replenish their needed

52
Martins, Vinicius J B et al. “Long-lasting effects of undernutrition.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 8,6
(2011): 1817-46. doi:10.3390/ijerph8061817
53
“Nutritional Status and Mental Development in Rural Haiti.” Taylor & Francis,
www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03670244.1990.9991123.
54
“Haiti.” UNICEF – Humanitarian Action for Children - Haiti, www.unicef.org/appeals/haiti.html.
55
“Cholera: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/cholera-faq#1.
56
“Environmental Risks.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, 4 Aug. 2016, www.who.int/ceh/risks/en/.
57
Davis, Charles Patrick. “Cholera History, Causes, Spread, Treatment & Symptoms.” MedicineNet,
www.medicinenet.com/cholera/article.htm#what_are_cholera_symptoms_and_signs.
 25

nutrients. Due to the fact that many Haitian children are malnourished, these symptoms are much
more severe and have longer lasting effects. In a study conducted by the Haiti Demographic and
Health Survey, it was found that 1 in 3 children under the age of five are stunted and 1 in 5 are
underweight58. In 2010, there was a cholera epidemic in Haiti that infected close to 800,000
Haitians and killed about 9,000. This outbreak was only 10 months after the devastating
earthquake and caused the nation to fall deeper into crisis. This is a devastating disease and
affects thousands of children each year59. In an effort to decrease the effect of this disease, the
cholera vaccine has been made available to citizens in certain areas of Haiti. In 2016 after
Hurricane Matthew, Haiti initiated a campaign for vaccinations and had a goal to reach 800,000
people in need. The main focus was on the southeast side of the country. Any child who was
over the age of 1 was given this vaccine as a way to prevent a pandemic60. The United Nations
has also been involved and is working to “intensify efforts to respond to and reduce the incidence
of cholera in Haiti [...] provide material assistance to individuals and families who were most
affected by cholera61.” The continued issue of cholera in Haiti has begun receiving the needed
attention to lessen its effects on their children
Cholera and severe malnutrition have a drastic effect on the society and culture of Haiti.
Similar to Liberia, there is a normalization of mortality and illness. The residents are used to
their standard of living and may not fully understand the potentially serious illnesses they can
come in contact with. Many areas believe that getting an illness is a form of punishment and that
strong negative emotions such as anger and fear lead to failing health. There is a prominent
belief that God is responsible for all health and sickness62. This normalization of illness can lead
to ignorance and the increased transmission of disease. Haiti's children have been through many
hardships and are struggling to obtain the necessities of life. According to the WHO, Haiti only
has 4 doctors, midwives and nurses per 10,000. The critical threshold for a sustainable

58
Ayoya, Mohamed Ag et al. “Child malnutrition in Haiti: progress despite disasters.” Global health, science and practice vol. 1,3 389-96. 14
Nov. 2013, doi:10.9745/GHSP-D-13-00069
59
“Potential Cholera Catastrophe in Haiti Threatens Thousands of Children, Warns Save the Children.” Save the Children International, 10 Oct.
2016, www.savethechildren.net/article/potential-cholera-catastrophe-haiti-threatens-thousands-children-warns-save-children.
60
Beaubien, Jason. “Haiti Launches Largest-Ever Cholera Vaccination Campaign.” NPR, NPR, 8 Nov. 2016,
www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2016/11/08/501155987/haiti-launches-largest-ever-emergency-cholera-vaccination-campaign.
61
“2010s Haiti Cholera Outbreak.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 13 Mar. 2019,
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010s_Haiti_cholera_outbreak#Solutions.
62
“Culture of Haiti.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 9 Mar. 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Haiti.
 26

community is 23 per 10,00063. This country is an example of the need for foreign support
focused on the new generation.

USA

The United States of America has had many struggles with child healthcare throughout
history. From the extreme effects of the civil war on the young children of America to the current
prevalence of mental health struggles in youth. In the States, the poverty rate is about 13% 64and
the child mortality rate is about 6.6 per 100065. There are about 46.8 million children under the
age of 11 in the states, and 23.9 million of them were under the age of five66. About 14% of the
total American population is comprised of children. Due to the fact that America is a developed
country with advanced technology, the life expectancy of the general population is much longer,
it has increased to about 79 years of age67. People are also having fewer children because of the
plethora of educational and occupational opportunities. Although there have been major
improvements to physical healthcare, the new generation of Americans has many emerging
struggles that need new solutions. Some of the main health concerns of American children are
child obesity and mental health.
In the USA, there is a growing culture of processed food filled with sodium and sucrose.
These typical high-fat diets are becoming a large danger to many children who are not aware of
what they are consuming and the effects of it on their long term health. In the states, about 18.5%
of all children are obese, meaning that their Body Mass Index (BMI) is abnormal and that they
are largely overweight68. Many young children do not have a choice of what they eat, their

63
“Achieving the Health-Related MDGs. It Takes a Workforce!” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, 6 Nov. 2018,
www.who.int/hrh/workforce_mdgs/en/.
64
“Poverty in the United States.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 26 Mar. 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poverty_in_the_United_States.
65
“United States of America Child Mortality Rate, 1960-2018.” Knoema, knoema.com/atlas/United-States-of-America/Child-mortality-rate.
66
“America's Children in Brief: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, 2018.” Childstats.gov - America's Children in Brief: Key National
Indicators of Well-Being, 2018 - Demographic Background, www.childstats.gov/americaschildren/demo.asp.
67
“Life Expectancy in North America in 2018 | Statistic.” Statista, www.statista.com/statistics/274513/life-expectancy-in-north-america/.
68
“The State of Childhood Obesity.” The State of Obesity, www.stateofobesity.org/childhood/.
 27

nutritional decisions fall upon the responsibility of their parents. Unhealthy snacks are much
cheaper than other meals and, in turn, are bought more often. This process of buying cheap meals
and craving unhealthy foods is what leads to obesity. This problem began to be an issue during
the 1970s69. At this time, there was an increase in technology and the world began to change at a
more rapid pace. American citizens were living in cities and there was less of a need for children
to be active70. This sedentary lifestyle has lead to the occurrence of childhood obesity. The
effects of this state on the future health of the young American populations are substantial.
Obesity can lead to many chronic illnesses, such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease. Each
year, about 610,00 people die because of heart failure, which accounts for 1 in 4 of all deaths71.
Children are becoming obese at younger and younger ages, 13.9% of children who are only 2-5
years old are obese72. This issue is only becoming more prominent in western civilization and is
in need of more attention. Some headway has been made on this issue in an attempt to make
Americans more aware of the decisions they make, and how they could be negatively affecting
their children's lives. The World Health Organization promotes eating a diet with many fruits and
vegetables to give children the healthy energy they need to stay active. They are also working
with many political and public organizations to give children better access to healthy foods 73.
As well as physical challenges, American children also face increasing struggles with
mental health. Within American children ages 2-8, one in six had a diagnosed mental,
behavioral, or developmental disorder74. In 2012 there was a significant increase in the amount
of youth who had depression or anxiety. At this same time, cellphones and electronics were
quickly advancing and becoming more common. The youth began interacting with each other
using a device and not with direct contact75. This can lead to a lack of emotional connections that
are vital to the happiness and overall mental health of a teenager. Childhood trauma and

69
von Hippel, Paul T, and Ramzi W Nahhas. “Extending the history of child obesity in the United States: The Fels Longitudinal Study, birth
years 1930-1993.” Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.) vol. 21,10 (2013): 2153-6. doi:10.1002/oby.20395
70
“Preventing Obesity in Children, Causes of Child Obesity, and More.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/children/guide/obesity-
children#1.
71
“Heart Disease Facts & Statistics.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm.
72
“The State of Childhood Obesity.” The State of Obesity, www.stateofobesity.org/childhood/.
73
“What Can Be Done to Fight the Childhood Obesity Epidemic?” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, 6 Oct. 2014,
www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/childhood_what_can_be_done/en/.
74
“Data and Statistics on Children's Mental Health | CDC.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/data.html.
75
“Why So Many Teens Today Have Become Depressed.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/our-
changing-culture/201708/why-so-many-teens-today-have-become-depressed.
 28

environmental conditions can also contribute to the future mental health struggles a child can
experience. The events children experience in their formative years of life are crucial to the
mental health of a child. To prevent mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety in
children, it is best to educate them on how to use coping strategies and what good mental health
means. Promoting conversations and relationships between peers and parents give children the
needed support for when they experience hardships as they mature. As well as promoting and
educating good mental health, show children the positive effects nutrition and physical activity
has on one's mental state. Finally, above all children need to be shown love. The American
Addiction Centers Resource website states that “The foremost way you provide encouragement
to children is through showing them love and nurturing. Most parents and caregivers have a
natural urge to show their children that they are unconditionally accepted, wanted, enjoyed, and
loved76.” Showing this emotion allows for the successful development of a human being. Love
gives children a sense of trust and confidence, allowing them to formulate trusting friendships
and be confident in themselves through the rest of their life.
The healthcare system in America is privatized, meaning that practices are not owned by
the government and that when healthcare needed, it will be costly to the family. This system can
be beneficial in that patients can receive immediate attention without the possibility of waiting
for service at a hospital. With the current form of healthcare, families can also choose which
doctor may suit your child's needs, while in the public sector there is less of an option in
emergency situations. It can also have negative effects due to the income of families and their
inability to support their child’s healthcare needs. If a family is not covered by insurance, they
will have to pay for the consultations and treatments needed 77. This system of private healthcare
has been shown to be very costly to the citizens as well as insurance companies and can be
ineffective78.
Within the States, these issues of obesity, mental health challenges and expensive are all
indicators that America, although developed and stable, still requires aid to minimize the lasting
effects of these issues. Within children, obesity has become a common occurrence and poor

76
“Love And Nurturing.” Mental Help Love and Nurturing Comments, www.mentalhelp.net/articles/love-and-nurturing/.
77
Formosa Post. “Pros and Cons Of Private Health Care (THE COMPLETE LIST).” Formosa Post, 30 Jan. 2018, www.formosapost.com/pros-
and-cons-of-private-health-care/.
78
“Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, 2014 Update: How the U.S. Health Care System Compares Internationally | Commonwealth Fund.” How the U.S.
Healthcare System Compares Internationally, www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/fund-reports/2014/jun/mirror-mirror-wall-2014-update-
how-us-health-care-system.
 29

nutritional decisions are seen as common treats. Mental illnesses are beginning to be talked about
more but still prevalent in youth. Depression and anxiety are common and not only in teens but
also in preteens and even children. America needs to continue to educate people about these
issues and provide them with strategies for the future.

Throughout each case study, there is a common theme of struggles that are in direct
correlation with the wealth of the country and the culture. Many of these issues have been
normalized within their society. In third world countries, death and poverty have been such a
massive part of their history. In developed countries, abusing the privilege of access to food
supplies and technology has lead to obesity and mental illnesses. One is given too little and
another has taken too much. These areas need to continue to raise awareness of their issues and
advocate for social and political changes that will benefit society as a whole.

Canadian Connection

Canada, the second largest country in the world with a population of 37 million, 5.5
million or 16% of the population are children79. They have a child mortality rate of 5 per 1000
live births, and their poverty rate is 9.5%80. Since the formation of Canada's healthcare system, it
has undergone many revisions to ensure the best possible outcome for the government and its
citizens. In 1867, it was established that each province would be responsible for their own
healthcare and that the federal government could make changes as seen fit, so long as the
changes did not affect the decisions of the provinces. One of the most recent changes was the
Accord on Health Care Renewal which was put into place in 2003. This accord was a way for

79
“Section 2: Population by Age and Sex.” Annual Demographic Estimates: Canada, Provinces and Territories, 27 Nov. 2015,
www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/91-215-x/2012000/part-partie2-eng.htm.
80
Social Development Canada. “Canada Reaches Lowest Poverty Rate in History.” Canada.ca, 7 Mar. 2019, www.canada.ca/en/employment-
social-development/news/2019/03/canada-reaches-lowest-poverty-rate-in-history.html.
 30

the healthcare system to improve its accessibility, quality, and sustainability81. In spite of the fact
that Canada has, made many efforts to improve their health care system, there is still much to be
improved upon, namely the health concerns of the indigenous Canadians and the frequency of
vaccinations.
Continually, throughout history, the indigenous people of Canada have been treated with
cruelty and inequality. Many of their traditions and cultures have been removed from them, as
well as the mistreatment of their land and people. These issues are still prevalent today in many
communities with a strong indigenous presence. For example in the Canadian territory of
Nunavut, about 86% of the population is of indigenous descent82. Within this area, children are
suffering from obesity and poor mental health.
Nunavut is a Canadian Territory that has a strong indigenous presence and is only
accessible by plane. Throughout Canada, about 40% of all indigenous people live in poverty,
compared to the Canadian average of 15%83. Both factors of poverty and geological positioning
lead to the common consumption of easily preservable products that have higher sugar and fat
content. About 50% of all Inuit children from the ages of 3 to 5 are overweight, primarily
males84. This rate is similar to the US and can lead to chronic illness in the child's future. Not
only does child obesity lead to physical health issues, but it can also affect one's emotional well
being, such as low self-esteem and difficulty in social situations. An article published by a
mental health and substance use website titled Aboriginal Mental Health: The statistic reality
stated, “16% of First Nation adults living on reserve experienced major depression, compared to
8% of the general Canadian population85.” This number is two times greater than the rest of
Canada. Children in these indigenous communities are in a constant cycle of inadequate
nutrition, leading to poor mental health, which then leads to chronic illness. This then degrades
one's mental health, thus continuing the cycle. When the Indigenous people were first colonized
they were stripped of their culture and disregarded as human beings. They have lost their culture

81
Canada, Health. “Canada's Health Care System.” Canada.ca, 26 Feb. 2018, www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/health-care-
system/reports-publications/health-care-system/canada.html#a2.
82
McDowell, Ian, and University of Ottawa. “The Health of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.” Indigenous Health,
www.med.uottawa.ca/sim/Data/Vul_Indigenous_e.htm.
83
“Indigenous Children Face Deplorable Poverty.” Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives,
www.policyalternatives.ca/newsroom/updates/indigenous-children-face-deplorable-poverty.
84
“Emerging Obesity among Preschool-Aged Canadian Inuit Children: Results from the Nunavut Inuit Child Health Survey.” Taylor & Francis,
www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3402/ijch.v69i2.17437.
85
“Aboriginal Mental Health: The Statistical Reality.” Aboriginal Mental Health: The Statistical Reality | Here to Help,
www.heretohelp.bc.ca/visions/aboriginal-people-vol5/aboriginal-mental-health-the-statistical-reality.
 31

and economic stability, and have been isolated in horrible conditions left to resolve their own
issues. Past generations have been traumatized by the pain they have had to endure, and they
have passed this feeling of immense hopelessness and devastation on to the new generations.
Little headway has been made to help these people who are still struggling. Children are living in
shacks with 5 other family members, they are exposed to raw sewage and a lack of fresh food. In
Attawapiskat, there are about 400 homes for all of its 2,100 residents86. That means there are
about seven people in each home. These homes are falling apart, and have only a singular wood
stove to heat the three bedrooms, a typical one floor home in Attawapiskat is pictured in
appendix C. The government has made some progress on these issues, for example, in
Kahnawake Quebec, 2011, mold was being removed from houses and schools, helping lower the
number of respiratory issues in many children of that community87. They have also trained the
owners of businesses on how to handle the mold and prevent it. Although this is a great
improvement, this should not have been issued in the first place. In the year 2011, there should
no longer be an issue of homes infested with mold, so much so that it is greatly affecting the
health of its residents. Children are growing up in this environment, denied basic health
standards of Canada. These people are in need of help from their country who has seemingly
forgotten about them.
As well as indigenous child health care struggles, many children and their families in
Canada have made the decision to not vaccinate their child. This decision is typically due to one
of 4 main factors, religious reasons, personal beliefs or philosophical reasons, safety concerns,
and a desire for more information from healthcare providers88. This being said, vaccines have
been able to dramatically decrease the number of communicable diseases. Smallpox was a
contagious disease caused by a specific virus called the variola virus89. This disease had been
estimated to have killed 300 million people in the 1900s alone. This disease was finally
eradicated worldwide in 1977 when the last case was reported. This complete eradication was

86
Perkel, Colin. “Attawapiskat Shacks Put First Nations Housing Crisis into Perspective.” Thestar.com, 21 Apr. 2016,
www.thestar.com/news/canada/2016/04/21/attawapiskat-shacks-put-first-nations-housing-crisis-into-perspective.html.
87
Northern Affairs Canada. “ARCHIVED - Fighting Mold: A Story of Three Communities.” Government of Canada; Indigenous and Northern
Affairs Canada, 27 July 2011, www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1311788852336/1311790288208.
88
McKee, Chephra, and Kristin Bohannon. “Exploring the Reasons Behind Parental Refusal of Vaccines.” The journal of pediatric
pharmacology and therapeutics : JPPT : the official journal of PPAG vol. 21,2 (2016): 104-9. doi:10.5863/1551-6776-21.2.104
89
“Smallpox.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 31 Mar. 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smallpox.
 32

possible because of the vaccine that had been created by Edward Jenner in 179690. Vaccines are
crucial for controlling communicable diseases and keeping the population safe. Within many
countries, there is little to no access to vaccines because they are expensive. A singular dose of a
vaccine can be anywhere from $10 to $90 USD91, this cost would be a week worth to 3 months
worth of wages. If a vaccine was provided to the citizens of Liberia with no cost, they would
stand in lines for hours to get them. These citizens have seen the first-hand effects sickness and
disease has on people, and they understand the importance of the protection immunizations can
offer. On the other hand, families in western civilization have not seen the effects of these
diseases and are not aware of the aid it provides. Children whose parents have made the decision
to not vaccinate their child for reasons of fear and distrust have not only put their child in danger
but have put their friends, family, and community in danger. For example, the recent measles
outbreaks in Toronto due to an unvaccinated child who had traveled out of the country and
brought it back to its home. Many people, both in the doctor's office and hospital, where the
child had entered, could be exposed to measles and are in danger of contracting this disease92. As
a developed country, Canada has the ability to protect its citizens from these issues. More people
need to be educated on the importance of vaccines and the potential outcome of a child if they
aren't vaccinated. Showing people the vast benefits of vaccines and how they are far more
substantial than the potential dangers is key to preventing and eradicating communicable
diseases.
In every country, there are many issues and circumstances that affect the physical and
mental health of children. They are constantly learning and growing. They are easily
impressionable and sensitive to environmental changes. Across the world, each individual child
faces their own trials. They are each to endure pain, and yet, the people surrounding them have a
responsibility to take care of them. Teach them how to endure, when to get help, and ultimately
give them as many aids as they can, so that when they enter adulthood, they can contribute to
society, help others and improve lives. Canada plays such a major role in so many children's
lives. It has its citizens, born and raised here, people who are used to the accessibility of help.

90
“Smallpox Vaccine.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 27 Mar. 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smallpox_vaccine.
91
“VFC | Current CDC Vaccine Price List | CDC.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/vfc/awardees/vaccine-management/price-list/index.html.
92
Shum, David. “Toronto Public Health Confirms Measles Case of Unvaccinated Infant.” Global News, 6 Mar. 2019,
globalnews.ca/news/5022885/toronto-public-health-measles/.
 33

Canada has immigrants and refugees, who have come here in search of something great, a
change in their life, a way to improve. Canada is full of opportunities for kids to grow strong and
change the world. They have the power to help Liberia with their HIV/AIDS crisis, the can send
aid to Haiti to ease the burden of poverty and they can help battle the crippling mental health
issues that are present in America. They can be raised to stand up for what is right, have the
strength, mental and physical, to persevere through the challenges being a human being comes
with. Give them something to lean on, let them know what they can do, and how important they
are.

Logic of Evil

Children are known as the epitome of innocence. They are seen as oblivious to the
depressive nature of the outside world. They are playful, energetic and embrace the simple things
in life, and are often times the opposite of evil. If this is the case, why are so many suffering
from disease, pain and haunted by trauma and anxiety? How does this evil enter their world and
corrupt their natural innocence?
This evil is found in those who have an underlying personal intent, or something to gain
from the corruption of the present world. Healthcare companies cannot give away needed
supplies to families in need just because they feel it is the right thing to do. These companies
have people who have invested in them, and companies must make money to supply their
demand. Governments invest their time and energy into the sections of the country that are
making money for them. For example, privatized healthcare in the United States, the immense
amount of child labor used in China and the use of child soldiers in Afghanistan. The need for
money, nice things, the idea that the best possible life comes from materials are taking away
from those who just want a life. People would have to begin to ask themselves, how much am I
willing to give away so that others can have a better life? Am I willing to pay for other people's
doctor bills? Am I willing to spend my time on children who are suffering halfway across the
world? What am I willing to sacrifice for the good of others? This is the true heart of evil. The
 34

selfish “me first and others later” thought. Thomas Hobbes, a political philosopher from the UK
theorized that humanity was inherently evil and egotistic93. He stated that:

Whatsoever, therefore, is consequent to a time of war, where every man is enemy to

every man, the same consequent to the time wherein men live without other security than
what their own strength and their own invention shall furnish them withal. In such
condition, there is no place for industry... no knowledge of the face of the earth; no
account of time; no arts; no letters; no society; and which is worst of all, continual fear,
and danger of violent death; and the life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short94.
(Hobbes 1660)
Through the life of a typical human, there is a desire to achieve the goals of oneself as an
individual. This is normal and important, but when does the egotism become too much where the
wellbeing of others is forgotten? Children are vulnerable and require help from their community.
There should be a point in one's life where they would want to start giving back, where they have
taken enough from others and are willing to return their success into the world. A well known
American writer, Joyce Carol Oates, states that “And this is the forbidden truth, the unspeakable
taboo - that evil is not always repellent but frequently attractive; that it has the power to make of
us not simply victims, as nature and accident do, but active accomplices95.” For so long it has
been engraved in humans to hunt, fight, and battle for what you want, get what you need to
survive. Protect yourself. Adapt and grow or die. People search to be the best, have the nicest
things not realizing for a moment that this could be stopping us from doing good. For the first
time in a while, this struggle to make sure that one survives is no longer necessary. People have
homes, vehicles, steady jobs, and money to spare. This has become the wanted norm. Yet, this
life is rarely possible for many who were not born in westernized society.
This selfish evil has been introduced to many places and has been left to fester, with no
attempt to undo the damage that has been made. For example the colonization of many African
countries. There were taken over by Europeans, the citizens were used for labor, to make money
for their bosses, left to work or die. These people fought for their independence, fought so that

93
Lloyd, Sharon A., and Susanne Sreedhar. “Hobbes's Moral and Political Philosophy.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Stanford
University, 30 Apr. 2018, plato.stanford.edu/entries/hobbes-moral/.
94
Thomas Hobbes, www.webpages.uidaho.edu/engl_258/Lecture Notes/thomas_hobbes.htm.
95
“Joyce Carol Oates Quote.” A, www.azquotes.com/quote/417546.
 35

their children can have a better life, and yet when these colonizers left their land, they were left
to fend for themselves, rebuild nations, and clean up the mess they had made. Due to this,
children are suffering every day, fighting for their basic rights, walking hours for some water,
while those with privilege sit in their nicely furnished homes, drinking water from a tap. This is
where the evil lies, in those homes, in the sturdy roofs, in the paved highways. The evil lies in
the deserted land, dry and barren. It lies in those who have lost hope, who are tired of waiting for
someone to help them. Put aside the selfish human nature that has been engraved in this race for
ages. Each entity, whether that be individuals, governments or countries has their own agenda
and their own personal goals that they are looking to obtain. Many are not willing to give up
what they have for the sake of others.

Political Evil
Political struggles occur in everyone's day to day life, from disagreements with one's
boss, to debates with a family member. Things are constantly being discussed and contemplated.
Every argument in this world has two sides to it. Every current issue is a product of a
discrepancy throughout history. Children are rarely accounted for in these conversations and they
rarely get a voice in decisions that are being made that will affect them. The media, pushing
children to make decisions, swaying their opinions, constantly surrounding them with new items
to buy, new things to do. As children mature, they became more exposed to appealing ideas and
contrasting opinions, driven by profit and false hope for their future. These motives that are
introduced cause self-doubt and greed which can negatively affect children and corrupt their
ideals.
Governments want to be prosperous, make money and have a powerful country. It is
much easier to invest in resources that the citizens. People take time to grow and work. They are
costly and use up precious resources. And yet every country needs people to thrive. Instead of
forcing labor on people to get money from resources, governments need to begin putting money
into the people so that in the future they can truly be successful and reap the rewards. They
should begin to look into their future, instead of scrambling for the present. The basic rights of
humans being met should not still be an issue after 200,000 years. The human race has come so
far, and yet they still have so much farther to go.
 36

Religious Evil
Children are known to be curious and energetic in learning about religions. They are often
pictured sitting on the laps of gods and are used as a sign of purity and innocence. Children who
participate in religious practices are directly related to their mental health. A study conducted by
Harvard had found that children who attend a religious service weekly and who meditate or pray
are more likely to be happier and show fewer signs of depression when they are an adult. They
also found that practicing a religion lowers the possibility of drug and alcohol use and
engagement in unsafe activities96. Religions also have medical practices that can greatly affect a
child's physical health. For example, some religions believe that illness occurs because of the
evil in their lives or the bad things they have done. When a child is sick they will repent for their
wrongdoings and disregard medical treatment for serious injury or illnesses. This can lead to
neglect and child's circumstances worsening severely. The need to prove their religion and show
their faith becomes more important than the immediate health needs of a child. If a parent of a
child has been raised in religion and has faith in their God, it will be difficult to persuade them.
In their view they are doing what is right for their child, they are submitting to their Gods and
proving their trust and reliance on the one thing that comes before anything else. For example the
Followers of Christ religious organization that is centered in the U.S., mainly in Oklahoma,
Oregon, and Idaho. This Christian denomination practices “faith healing” which is the practice of
praying for healing instead of seeking professional aid. This has lead to a high child mortality
rate in these areas97. Mariah Walton was born in a traditional Mormon county and was born with
a small heart deformity. Because she did not receive the medical treatment she is now severely ill
and is in need of a heart or lung transplant98. Her parents did not believe that medicinal cures
were effective and resulted to using prayer for healing. Many parents believe the will always
know what is best for their child and tend to have a closed mindset about parenting, this has lead
to many children having lasting effects from illnesses, or die because of the lack of medical
treatment.

96
“Religion and Children.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 19 Feb. 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_and_children#Health_effects.
97
Wilson, Jason. “Letting Them Die: Parents Refuse Medical Help for Children in the Name of Christ.” The Guardian, Guardian News and
Media, 13 Apr. 2016, www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/apr/13/followers-of-christ-idaho-religious-sect-child-mortality-refusing-medical-help.
98
Matthew. “Faith Healing Victim Speaks out: ‘I Would like to See My Parents Prosecuted.’” According To Matthew, Patheos Explore the
World's Faith through Different Perspectives on Religion and Spirituality! Patheos Has the Views of the Prevalent Religions and Spiritualities of
the World., 17 Mar. 2017, www.patheos.com/blogs/accordingtomatthew/2016/04/faith-healing-victim-speaks-out-i-would-like-to-see-my-
parents-prosecuted/.
 37

The logic of evil and human corruption is very prevalent when it comes to the issue of
child health care. Although many can agree that children need to be protected and cared for,
there is conflict in how this should be done. This struggle to be right and in control ultimately
leads to many of the issues surrounding children because they lack their own voice and others
make decisions for them.
 38

Solutions

Since the beginning of the human race, there has always been a struggle to raise a healthy
child, and give them effective ways to be strong and endure. From being taught how to hunt and
fend off predators, to teaching children online safety, there has been a worldwide struggle to
have a child grow up and be confident in who they are, be healthy and live a full life, show
others kindness and change the world for the better. This is not an easy issue to solve. There are
thousands of possible solutions and billions of people involved. The amount of organization and
funding required is very substantial. It is very unlikely that this is will no longer be an issue, but
it can most certainly improve. The world can be made better. The human race can begin by
helping the children who are going days without food, those who have lost their parents, those
who don't know love, who are no longer happy. The end goal is to have a level playing field:
children in Africa born with healthcare professionals present, American children playing and
dancing and not being constantly distracted by technology. Children eating sustainable meals,
getting nourishment and feeling pure joy. Childhood is for learning and playing, not for
starvation and violence.
To solve this issue, more people need to know about the pain children feel every day and
the ways in which they are suffering. There needs to be a way for people to connect with the
children in need and be moved to do something about it. It is one thing to know about an issue, it
is another to be willing to donate your time and money to it to make a positive difference.
According to UNICEF, there are 1 billion children who are living in extreme poverty, exposed to
deadly illnesses and daily encounters with violence and war99. That is one-seventh of the entire
world's population. Surely something can be done to increase the quality of life for these
children. A simple plan can be put in place to easily decrease the prevalence of this issue.

1. Start locally, participate in local fundraisers and consider the difference that can be made
in someone's life. Show the children kindness and love. Be patient with them and listen to

99
Sturcke, James. “Unicef Report: 1bn Children Suffering.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 9 Dec. 2004,
www.theguardian.com/society/2004/dec/09/internationalaidanddevelopment.aids.
 39

them. Smile to the baby on the bus, and hand out high fives. Children won't remember
what people said to them, but they'll remember how someone made them feel.
2. Begin to reach out to harder to reach places, get into contact with people, send cards,
letters, small things that can make a difference. Write to the leaders of aboriginal
communities letting them know that their situation is known and that their voice is being
heard. Encourage others to feel empathy for people and the circumstances they are in.
Take action. Many small changes make a big difference.
3. Begin to aim for higher goals, contact the government, inform them of your concerns, ask
what can be done to help those in your country and worldwide to make a better future for
the citizens of this country. Become a leader and an advocate for children, stand up and
fight for their rights, allow their voice to finally be heard amongst the fighting.

In addition to outreach from individuals, organizations must be supported so that they can
continue their life-changing work. Research conducted by a nonprofit organization, Search
Institute, has found that there are many developmental aspects that contribute to a healthy child.
These include external aspects such as support, empowerment, boundaries, and expectations, and
constructive use of time, as well as internal aspects such as commitment to learning, positive
values, social competencies, and a positive identity. This research was conducted by surveying
over 6 million youth globally to further their understanding of development in children and are
working towards changing the way children are raised. Currently, they have implemented many
projects that will help communities, families, and individuals to improve young lives. They have
international projects that involve educating people on the importance of these developmental
factors. Search Institute also partners with other organizations to further their outreach. The main
principle of this organization is to give children reliable relationships so that they can thrive.
They have created a Developmental Relationships Framework that is applied and tested in many
countries for its positive outcome. So far, their research has been successful in proving that for
children to progress they require solid relationships with people they can trust. These
relationships lead to self-discovery, the formation of independent life skills and social
engagement and interaction100.

100
“Developmental Relationships.” Search Institute, 2019, www.search-institute.org/developmental-relationships/.
 40

In an article published by the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, it

was stated that:
A major ingredient in this developmental process is the serve and return interaction
between children and their parents and other caregivers in the family or community. In
the absence of responsive caregiving—or if responses are unreliable or inappropriate—
the brain’s architecture does not form as expected, which can lead to disparities in
learning and behavior101.
The serve and return interaction is the action of responding to the child's causes with visible
reactions. This is essential for the development of a child. In conclusion, more people need to be
educated on the intricacies and difficulties of raising a child, and above all, children need to form
meaningful, stable and loving relationships for optimal brain development. The best thing for
children is an unconditional love that they can always turn to, in every trial.
Children are the future, they will be the ones to change the world. How can they do so if
they can't help themselves? They are the ones who will provide for their families, who will be
given more information and knowledge that they know what to do with. They are the ones who
have been left to clean up the destruction of humanity. So much responsibility on such weak
shoulders. If this issue is to be solved, there needs to be global participation, countries need to
come together and create a movement that will spark impactful change and prove to their citizens
that they are willing to invest in their future.

101
“Brain Architecture.” Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/brain-
architecture/.
 41

Appendix

A
102

102
Ritchie, Hannah, and Max Roser. “Mental Health.” Our World in Data, 20 Jan. 2018, ourworldindata.org/mental-health.
 42

Angola article on the following page

A home in Attawapiskat Ontario.

 43

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