Shocking numbers of children are dying from illnesses that are entirely preventable, most of them in the first years of life. Every year, 5.2 million children under the age of five die from preventable causes.

Marginalised children are the most vulnerable as they lack access to quality healthcare, such as vaccines, medicines, or nutrients – all of which save lives. This is especially true in conflict and emergencies, or in poor and deprived areas, where the challenge of keeping children alive is heightened.

Girls and women often lack access to care or information during pregnancy, labour and the postnatal period. They can also struggle to access health services or be denied an education that would protect them from unwanted pregnancies.

Millions of children are being robbed of an education simply because of who they are or where they live. Deprived of learning because they are caught up in emergencies, face extreme poverty, or are discriminated against because of their gender, disability or ethnicity. The world's most vulnerable and excluded children are missing out on education.

• Today, nearly 400 million children of primary school age cannot read or write
• More than half of all three to six year olds have no access to pre-primary education
• About 10 million refugee children risk having their learning interrupted after being forced to flee their homes
• 25 million children will never enrol in school – and two-thirds of them are girls.

Without a quality basic education, children are less likely to escape the cycle of poverty and may never have the opportunity to fulfill their potential.

75 percent of the world's children experience violence. Violence takes many forms, including physical and emotional abuse, sexual abuse and exploitation, and neglect or deliberate deprivation. Growing up with violence, and the threat of violence, can lead to life-long physical, emotional and mental health problems.

• 1 in 4 victims of modern slavery are children
• 8 million adolescent girls aged 15–19 have experienced sexual abuse
• Nearly 720 million school-age children have no legal protection from corporal punishment at school

Children living in conflict or emergency situations, such as natural disasters or major pandemics are even more vulnerable to exploitation, abuse and violence. Children living in conflict face the threat of being killed or maimed, falling victim to sexual violence, and being recruited as child soldiers. In many cases, children are specifically targeted.

We are committed to holding ourselves accountable for the promises we make to our supporters, partners, staff, and most of all, children. This means looking back at our commitments, celebrating our successes and learning from any mistakes in order to do more and do better.

In 2020, we directly reached nearly 45 million children across 122 countries around the world. We responded to 136 humanitarian emergencies across 77 countries and contributed to 33 policy or legislation changes for children's rights.

The combined revenue of Save the Children International and Save the Children members amounted to $2.2 billion USD.