A giant cake is on display outside the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh today as part of a 1,000-mile tour highlighting the global child mortality crisis.
The ONE Campaign brings its six-week journey to the capital from 9am to 2pm today, following its initial launch in Glasgow yesterday.
The initiative aims to raise awareness of the nearly 4.9 million children who die from preventable causes before their fifth birthday every year.
Organisers are calling on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to appoint an International Envoy for Children and Young People ahead of the G20 summit next year.
The ‘Thousand Mile Cake’ will travel the length of the country before reaching a finale on the River Thames in Westminster on October 13.
At each stop, members of the public are invited to decorate the cake, add a candle and write a message of hope.
The campaign aims to collect 1,826 candles by the final stop, representing every day of a child’s life from birth to their fifth birthday.
Adrian Lovett, UK Executive Director of the ONE Campaign, said: “Every year, millions of children are still dying before their fifth birthday from causes we know how to prevent. For those who do survive, too many young people are denied the opportunities they need to thrive.
“That’s why we’re taking Born to Live on the road, building support across the UK and calling on the Prime Minister to act.
“Today in Edinburgh, we’re continuing our 1,000-mile journey across the UK, asking the public to help us build a cake that stands for that simple idea, one candle and one message of hope at a time.
“Every child deserves to reach their fifth birthday, and the chance to thrive long into adulthood. Next year Britain hosts the G20. We’re calling on the Prime Minister to appoint an International Envoy for Children and Young People, and make sure that moment delivers for the next generation, not just this one.”
Statistics from the World Health Organisation show Sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia account for more than 80% of all under-five deaths worldwide.
Sub-Saharan Africa currently records the highest under-five mortality rate globally at 71.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, equating to one in 14 children.
The campaign coincides with significant reductions to the UK’s international aid budget, which was cut by 40% under the Starmer government.
Bilateral UK aid to Africa is projected to fall by a further 56% by 2028/29, with reductions of up to 90% for countries including Malawi and Mozambique.
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