27,000 Children Too Many

The Nov. 30 news story "Globally, Deaths From Measles Drop Sharply" reported the dramatic decline in worldwide deaths from measles since 2000 as a result of stepped-up immunization efforts and the distribution of vitamin A capsules. Measles ranks among the top four childhood killers worldwide, along with diarrheal disease, pneumonia and complications during childbirth. The Measles Initiative has yielded a major achievement in global health and is a cause for celebration, particularly for children in developing countries.

Still, we must not forget the 27,000 children who die every day from other largely preventable diseases and conditions. The U.S. Commitment to Global Child Survival Act, pending in both houses of Congress, seeks greater funding and improved coordination for the whole package of interventions that can save a young child's life.

This holiday season, give children in developing countries the greatest gift -- life itself -- and support the entire package of critical interventions that will ensure that young children survive and thrive into adulthood.

ANDREW E. BARRER

Executive Director

U.S. Coalition for Child Survival

Arlington