In 1990, 12.4 million child deaths were recorded globally. By 2010, this figure had reduced to 7.6 million.

While this shows we are making great progress, we still have far to go. The death rates of newborn babies in developing countries is still unacceptably high, with infant mortality of newborns during their first 28 days making up 40 percent of global child deaths.

What can your church do?

Help deliver a 'Bundle of Joy' for parents living in poverty

The birth of a new baby brings untold joy to parents. But not all mothers and fathers get the chance to celebrate. Over 40% of all child deaths under five are newborns in their first 28 days of life.

We are looking for church mothers' groups, playgroups and others interested in standing up for global child health to help us call on the Australian Government to deliver a 'bundle of joy' - an increase in overseas aid for maternal, newborn and child health - that would see more newborn babies survive past their first 28 days of life and thrive.

The special action kit below provides the tools and resources needed to ensure our elected representatives of Parliament hear strong voices encouraging action on this injustice.

Download the Bundle of Joy Advocate Pack for church mothers' groups and playgroups.

Add your voice to ask our nation's leaders to make reducing preventable child and maternal deaths a priority in our aid budget.

Sign the 'Child Health Now' petition.

More actions and resources can be found on World Vision Australia's Child Health Now page.

Originally published on the 21st of August 2012