Synthesizing the experience of UNICEF's own work in over 100 countries as well as the views of leading international specialists, this report suggests that recent scientific and social breakthroughs have put into our hands the means to bring about a revolution in the health and well-being of children in the developing world. The first part of the report describes several current UNICEF programs: oral rehydration therapy, universal child immunization, the promotion of breast-feeding, and the use of growth charts to record child health. Other actions that might help break the poverty cycle are proposed; these include family planning, food supplements targeted for infants and pregnant and lactating women, and increasing agricultural productivity and employment through land reform. The second part of the document, entitled "Ideas in Action," tells the story of a community organization being built to introduce technical innovations in over 700 Mossi villages in Upper Volta, Africa. Finally, a statistical annex brings together the latest United Nations figures on children and world development. (Author/CB)