A new report by the United Nations Children's Fund says pneumonia and diarrhea are among the top causes of childhood deaths around the world.
The UNICEF report issued June 8 says the two ailments kill more than 2 million children each year and account for more than one-fourth of all deaths of children under the age of 5.
Poverty is a major factor in the spread of both diseases, with Pakistan, India, and several countries in sub-Saharan Africa making up the worst-hit nations.
The UNICEF report says nearly 90 percent of all deaths are due to unsafe water and poor hygiene.
It says even simple steps like hand-washing with soap and water can dramatically reduce the incidence of both pneumonia and diarrhea in children.
The UNICEF report issued June 8 says the two ailments kill more than 2 million children each year and account for more than one-fourth of all deaths of children under the age of 5.
Poverty is a major factor in the spread of both diseases, with Pakistan, India, and several countries in sub-Saharan Africa making up the worst-hit nations.
The UNICEF report says nearly 90 percent of all deaths are due to unsafe water and poor hygiene.
It says even simple steps like hand-washing with soap and water can dramatically reduce the incidence of both pneumonia and diarrhea in children.