Child Lives Map

A Journey Through Two Decades of Improved Child Mortality

By Dan McCarey

Child mortality, particularly in infants, has long been a critical indicator of a country's health and development status. In the last two decades, significant improvements have been seen globally, thanks to advancements in medical science, better access to healthcare, improved nutrition, and effective public health campaigns, especially in areas of vaccination and maternal health.

These efforts have led to a marked decrease in preventable child deaths, making the success story one of the most notable triumphs in global health.

The challenge presented to me was not just in the realm of data translation but in creating a narrative that could resonate with a diverse global audience.

The Pulitzer Center, renowned for shedding light on pressing global issues, was in search of a medium that could effectively communicate the impact of public health initiatives on child mortality. The challenge presented to me was not just in the realm of data translation but in creating a narrative that could resonate with a diverse global audience. This was about giving numbers a voice, a story that could be heard and understood by all.

Child Lives Map was envisioned as a bridge between data and dialogue. The goal was to create a platform where the story within the numbers could be explored and understood.

The project began with an extensive data collection process, focusing on two pivotal years spaced two decades apart. This choice was intentional, designed to highlight the trajectory of change and the impact of global health initiatives over a substantial period.

The visual storytelling aspect was central to the map's design. I opted for simple, intuitive circles to represent data, enabling users to effortlessly compare the two selected years. This design choice was strategic, creating a stark visual contrast that effectively highlights the global improvements in child mortality. The map's color scheme was inspired by traditional pink and blue baby clothing, serving as a nod to both genders, and the overall aesthetic was deliberately aligned to maximize clarity and impact.

A key feature of the map was an interactive tour, written by journalist Tom Hundley. This tour guided users through various data points, offering context and deeper insights into the child mortality rates across different regions. Hundley’s narratives brought a human element to the data, making the statistics more relatable and impactful.

The map's functionality and clarity in communicating complex data earned acclaim from Alberto Cairo in "The Truthful Art." Moreover, its influence was further amplified when Melinda Gates shared it with her 2 million follwers on Twitter, bringing significant attention to the map and underscoring its importance in the global health community.

This project underlined the critical role of communication in public health and its potential impact when executed with creativity and precision.