A new UNICEF report shows that in 2025, hundreds of millions of children are missing basic needs — but we can all take action so every child has a chance to grow up well.
According to UNICEF’s 2025 report, more than 417 million children in low- and middle-income countries — that’s more than 1 in 5 — do not have access to important things like good food, clean water, toilets, a safe home, school, or healthcare.
Living without these basics can make children sick, make school very hard or impossible, and stop them from dreaming or hoping for the future. But the report also says this is not inevitable: when countries work to improve health, schools, housing, water, and healthcare, things can get better.
This means everyone — adults, governments, and even kids — can help give all children a fair chance. Even small actions, like going to school, learning, respecting others, or helping those in need, matter. With everyone doing their part, we can build a world where every child has the right to grow up safe, learn, and thrive.
