The joint WHO/UNICEF Regional Child Survival Strategy offers a unified direction and a description of the actions necessary to successfully implement life-saving interventions. It can be used to guide countries and areas in the Region in their efforts to improve child survival. The Strategy focuses on children from birth to 5 years of age and advocates approaches that give every child the same chance for survival. This document includes key background information, the rationale for accelerated and sustained action for child survival, and a brief description of interventions included in the essential package for child survival. In addition, it includes action that will strengthen the essential package, a description of strategic approaches for child survival, a section about the diversity of countries and areas, and key points on monitoring and evaluation. It concludes with a brief description of the way forward.