More than 417 million children in low- and middle-income countries suffer severe deprivation in at least two areas vital to their health, development, and well-being, according to a new UNICEF report released on World Children’s Day.

The report, “the state of the world’s children 2025: ending child poverty is a shared responsibility,” analysed six critical areas: education, health, housing, nutrition, sanitation, and water. It found that one in five children faces serious deprivation in at least two areas, while 118 million children experience three or more, and 17 million face four or more.

Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia have the highest rates of multidimensional child poverty. In Chad, 64% of children endure two or more severe deprivations, and about 25% suffer three or more. The lack of sanitation emerged as the most widespread critical need: 65% of children in low-income countries, 26% in lower-middle-income countries, and 11% in upper-middle-income countries lack access to a toilet.

UNICEF executive director catherine russell highlighted the human cost: “Children growing up without access to proper nutrition, housing, and sanitation face devastating consequences for their health and development. it doesn’t have to be this way.”

She urged governments and businesses to ensure children’s access to essential services, saying: “Investing in children creates a healthier, safer, and more peaceful world for everyone.”

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