This special UNICEF report documents the range of problems behind the decline of living standards in Africa and describes the practical steps which are being taken to confront the crisis. Discussed are (1) increasing implementation of immunization programs and progress in promoting oral rehydration therapy; (2) the impact on child survival and development of growth checking, improved weaning, promotion of breast-feeding, and prevention of vitamin A deficiency; (3) basic child survival strategies which would considerably improve the lives and health of women; (4) the potential and danger inherent in the idea of "self-health"; and (5) the present need and present opportunity to provide a basic minimum protection for the lives and growth of all the world's children at a very low cost and in a very short time. Tables present basic statistics concerning factors related to infant mortality. In addition, brief case studies or "Panels" are inserted into the text provide illustrative examples of effective programs in numerous developing nations and additional information concerning immunization, iodine, parasites, population trends, vitamin A, and the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes. (RH)