Sponsor a child in India

A growing economy that faces many challenges

India is home to over 1.2 billion people, making it the second most populous country in the world. Economic change has improved the lives of many people since the 1960s, but poverty persists, particularly in rural parts. Nearly a fifth of people lack access to clean drinking water, and 21% suffer as a result of poor sanitation. Although the vast majority of people live in the countryside, unemployment has forced many to seek work in the city. Illiteracy is high, with over half of women unable to read and write. Healthcare remains a concern, with life expectancy under 70 for both men and women.

Children in India

• Around 2 million people die each year from preventable diseases, including 400,000 under five who die from diarrhoea. Half of all child deaths are caused by malnutrition.
• School attendance is low, and child labour is an ongoing problem. Over one child in every ten between the ages of five and 14 is involved in child labour,
  and many are involved in trafficking.
• The number of children without parental care has increased as cases of HIV/AIDS have risen. Many children also suffer from HIV/AIDS,
  and face damaging social discrimination as a result.
• Girls are particularly vulnerable to poverty, homelessness and violence. In some areas, two thirds or more of girls drop out of primary school,
  and many are forced to marry before they reach the age of 18.