British child death rates are 'a major crisis'
Five children die unnecessarily every day of conditions such as asthma, meningitis and pneumonia because NHS care for young people is badly organised and dangerously inadequate, the leader of Britain's 11,000 specialists in children's health warns. About 2,000 children a year lose their lives because of an array of problems, which means the UK has some of the worst death rates among children up to the age of 14 in Europe, says the president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health . Branding the situation "a major crisis", Hilary Cass said that sick children were at greater risk of dying because some GPs lacked paediatric skills, expertise was absent in too many small paediatric units, and there was a serious shortage of consultants. The college believes a lack of senior paediatric doctors is so acute that the safety of treatment cannot be guaranteed at every unit. Cass urges the NHS to instigate radical changes in how it treats children to reduce preventable deaths.
Pray: for sick children and those who care for them and for an inmprovement in service provision in paediatrics. (Jer.8:22)
More: http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2013/jul/13/preventable-child-deaths-nhs
Most children will be born to unmarried parents by 2016
Most children will be born out of wedlock by 2016 because of the decline in the number of marriages, according to figures published by the Office for National Statistics. The statistics show that the number of children being born to unmarried parents has increased for 40 consecutive years, reaching 47.5 per cent in 2012. If this trend continues, the figure will rise to more than 50 per cent by 2016. MPs and social groups have warned that children have the best chances in life when raised by married parents, and that the government must do more to “deliver on its family friendly pledge.” Former children’s minister, Tim Loughton, who is calling on the government to introduce tax breaks for married couples, said "Without marriage people drift in and out of relationships very easily. "In families where parents break up children do less well at school, are more likely to suffer mental health problems and are more likely to have substance abuse problems.
Pray: for a re-adoption of marriage as the social norm providing a more stable environment for children. (Pr.18:22)
More: http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/family/most-children-will-be-born-to-unmarried-parents-by-2016
Fighting corruption is everyone's responsibility
Tackling corruption is not only the job of business leaders and politicians but also needs individual action, says evangelical leader Marijke Hoek. The Christian-led campaign against corruption is urging everyone to play their part in making the world a more just place. Hoek says that politics is not only for those working directly in government but for every citizen and that every person should be getting involved in what is happening in their communities, nations and the wider world. "What the co-operative enterprise or collective is capable of is probably most easily recognised in local politics that fosters a common life and pursues a common good - politics with a small 'p', if you wish. "It's community activism that recognises the fractures and flaws in society and their detrimental effect on its citizens."The welfare of our nation lies in the hearts and hands of us all," she says.
Pray: for each of us to accept personal responsibility for the society of which we are part.. (Mt.22:39)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/fighting.corruption.is.everyones.responsibility/33170.htm
Testimonies from the Welsh Outpouring
f you are a reader of Prayer Alert I'm sure that you have heard about what's going on in Cwmbran, Wales. See Prayer Alert 19-20-22&25. Let me encourage you to watch this video on the’ More’ link of testimony to the amazing things that God is doing.
Praise: God for His continued blessing on the people in south Wales and long may it continue, (Ps.85:6)
