Child poverty at home and abroad

Both Unicef and Save the Children are deeply committed to child survival and continue to support health programmes that seek to cut mortality rates (Letters, December 13). Indeed, over half of Unicef's budget is devoted to basic child-survival programmes and it is now the world's largest single purchaser of childhood vaccines for developing countries. Save the Children supports health systems and responds to health emergencies in 33 countries.

It is a scandal that, at the current pace of progress, sub-Saharan Africa will not reach UN targets on reducing child mortality for 150 years, rather than in 2015, as intended. However, child survival cannot be seen solely as a health issue. Contrary to Professor Costello's suggestion that the child rights approach "does not focus on the basic right to survive", the evidence tells us otherwise. For example, studies have shown that when a girl receives a basic education, she is more likely to be protected from HIV/Aids and her children are more likely to survive and be healthy.
Anita Tiessen
Unicef UK
Fiona Weir
Save the Children UK

Figures just released by the government show that in April 2005 income support rates for a single adult will rise by a meagre 55p to £56.20 a week. The equivalent increase for a single pensioner is £5, taking the weekly pension to £109.45. In 2000, pensioners were rightly outraged by a 75p increase. The proposed increase for income support is even lower.

The rate of income support is undermining the eradication of child poverty. Income support goes both to childless adults and to families with children. It is impossible to ringfence spending in families, so tackling child poverty must consider their parents too. The low level of income support is sapping the increases delivered to families through the tax credits. The health of adults with responsibility for children is also vital, and is also affected by income support levels.

The government has shown great energy in pursuing child poverty, but it cannot either build a good society or eradicate child poverty without considering benefits for adults - already low, and falling in real value.
Kate Green
Child Poverty Action Group