Key challenges for children
Deteriorating health: Infant and maternal mortality rates are the highest in Europe. With over 100 children dying before the age of five for every 1,000 live births, Azerbaijan has an Under-five Mortality Rate (U5MR) ranking of 46 in the world, putting it on a par with countries that have much lower GNI per capita. One of the main problems in the health system, particularly for vulnerable groups, is access to good quality pharmaceuticals at reasonable prices. Poor nutrition is a major underlying cause of child mortality, with 10% of babies born underweight, 13% of children under five stunted, and 75% suffering from Vitamin A deficiency. Poverty: The official unemployment rate was 1.4% in October 2003, but unofficial sources suggest that more than 10% of economically active citizens are unemployed. Almost half of the population lives in poverty, i.e. below less than a dollar a day. Analysis by age-groups based on the results of household budget survey 2003 indicate that children are again the most vulnerable, with under 15 year age group having the highest poverty level, 50%.
Child Protection: Around 10% of children do not live in a family environment, with significant numbers living in institutions. Precise numbers are unknown, as no comprehensive survey has been carried out. Many still believe that children receive better care in an institution. This belief, combined with low household incomes and poor regulatory mechanisms, has resulted in increased child institutionalisation. As many as 15% of births go unregistered as a result of bureaucratic procedures and informal payments for registration. The emergence of “street children” is a relatively new phenomenon and stems from the sharp drop in the economic and social status of families. Available figures are flexible and seasonal. The latest information from the Ministry of Internal Affairs says that over 500 children were registered at police stations in 2003 for petty crimes, of whom 80% were not attending school. Approximately 24 of Azerbaijan’s 65 regions are thought to be contaminated with landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO). Of those killed by landmines or UXO to date, 13% have been children. Refugees and displacement: The long-standing conflict with Armenia remains unresolved and the upheavals of 1988-1993 continue to cause suffering. There are nearly 1 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees from Armenia and other countries, over half of them women and children. Refugees and displaced people have poverty levels 20% higher than the national average. HIV/AIDS. As of May 2004, there were around 700 registered cases of HIV/AIDS. In 50% of these, injection drug use was the main mode of transmission, with the sharing of needles the major immediate cause. Knowledge about HIV/AIDS and its prevention is low. Only one third of 10-18-year olds know about HIV/AIDS and slightly more than two thirds of those aged 19-24 years believe that it can be prevented. HIV/AIDS is not addressed with the seriousness warranted, and traditions prevent open discussion.
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