Kids' Lives Need More Than Services Alone

A recent global summit in Uzbekistan adopted the Samarkand Declaration, urging increased investment in children's healthcare, education, and protection. The declaration emphasizes the need for integrated services, as merely providing access is insufficient for children's well-being.

Discussions at the summit revealed that 412 million children worldwide live in extreme poverty, and many UN Sustainable Development Goals for children are off track. Experts highlighted that focusing solely on infrastructure is less effective than investing in social workers and healthcare professionals.

The summit also shed light on global inequalities, particularly in childhood cancer. Survival rates are over 80% in high-income countries but less than 30% in many low- and middle-income nations. A new Global Network was announced to support children with serious illnesses, with Uzbekistan chairing it for two years.

Uzbekistan showcased its approach to integrated care, including a new rehabilitation center combining various support services for children with disabilities. The nation has seen significant increases in preschool enrollment and inclusive schools over the past two years.