China

China is the world's most populous country. After stagnating for two decades under the rigid authoritarianism of early Communist rule, China is now the world's fastest growing economy.

However, growth and investment are restricted to a limited number of urban areas. The United Nations Development Programme reports that 16.6% of the population continues to live in poverty, on less than US$1 a day. A vast majority of families, particularly in rural areas, have not benefited from economic growth, and development is often further hampered by severe weather conditions. Rural poverty alleviation remains the focus of Plan's work in China.

Overall child mortality rates have decreased however there can be a wide variation between provinces with up to three-fold differences. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) continues to be a threat to young children and the prevalence of HIV/AIDS is also becoming a concern.

Some of the reasons why Plan works in China

• One in seven children under five years old suffer from stunted growth due to poor nutrition
• Less than 30% of children attend secondary school
• More than 30% of the rural population do not have access to clean drinking water
• More than 70% of the rural population do not have adequate sanitation facilities