Healthcare deserts: Severe healthcare deprivation among children in developing countries

New research by Save the Children has uncovered ‘healthcare deserts’ in 25 developing countries around the world, where one in seven of all children do not receive any vaccinations for childhood killer diseases, such as diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus, or even basic treatment for diarrhoea. Access to healthcare, vaccinations and trained healthcare professionals are crucial to keeping children alive. Diarrhoea, pneumonia and malaria – largely preventable and treatable diseases – account for 40% of under-five deaths with a further 36% caused by neonatal complications and infections. The poorest children are most likely to be denied crucial healthcare services.