Uganda has one of the fastest growing populations - Government policies strive to manage this

As at 2008: Uganda had 6.1 million under 5s in a population of 32.2 million (19%). 1.4 million born that year. The statistics predict 85/1000 infant mortality [almost 124,000 of the babies born that year]. Uganda's progress in achieving the MDG targets are steady but slower than necessary to reach the 2015 deadline. Among deaths of children under-5 years: 24% was recorded as malaria, 16% diarrhoea, 12% pneumonia (52% of all under-5s deaths). The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development has worked with UNICEF and other partners to establish The Uganda National Minimum Health Care Package consisting of 4 clusters:
• Cluster 1: Maternal and Child Health
• Cluster 2: Control of Communicable diseases
• Cluster 3: Control of non-communicable diseases
• Cluster 4: Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Community Health Initiatives

Children and Malaria: National policy campaigns encourage guardians to bring children with fevers to a health centre and even to presumptively treat children in the absence of a diagnosis of malaria. The lack of laboratory sites or affordable Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) means that malaria can be missed if other symptoms are more obvious and the fever is mild - the Falciparum type of malaria in Uganda needs prompt attention to prevent it becoming sever with dehydration and shock.

Children and hygiene: The incidence of diarrhoea and resulting dehydration are numerous and combine side-effects from fevers and gastro-related infections as well as the effects un-filtered water and worms. The short term implications can be very serious and even if the child recovers, the impact on their development is cumulative leading to malnutrition and lower resistance to other communicable diseases. Uganda's Infant and Young Child Feeding guidance covers the common choices faced by parents, and additional factors where HIV or emergencies. UNICEF support the policy for exclusive breastfeeding in Uganda and all women who deliver at Hope Clinic Lukuli are helped to plan their feeding strategy. At the child immunisation sessions we also offer deworming, nutrition advice and monitor children through their development milestones. Launch UNICEF Breastfeeding on YouTube

Children and coughs, pneumonia and immunisations: "Efforts towards realizing health rights for children especially with increased opportunities for immunization, treatment of malaria and tuberculosis. These were supported by large funds such as the GAVI and the Global Fund for TB, AIDS and malaria, among other donor funding sources. NGO partners participated in the implementation of these activities thus accelerating service delivery" Uganda World Fit For Children report 2008.