7 Great Achievements in Pediatric Research

Pediatricians Urge Sustained Federal Support for Pediatric Research Funding

Children have faced seemingly insurmountable challenges from illnesses, genetic diseases, and environmental influences. In 1975, a childhood diagnosis of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) often meant certain death within five years, and a child suffering from sickle cell anemia was expected to live only 14 years. Pediatric research, however, has led to dramatic changes in child health.

From developing groundbreaking treatments for deadly chronic diseases to saving babies who are born premature, pediatric researchers have increased the ability of children to live full and fulfilling lives that only a few decades before would have been tragically cut short. Without these pioneering researchers and the federal funding that drives their efforts, innovations in pediatric medicine would have gone undeveloped at great cost to the nation's children and their families.

In an effort to educate members of Congress and the public about the importance of sustained funding and support for pediatric research, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has developed Seven Great Achievements in Pediatric Research. This campaign highlights seven groundbreaking therapies and technologies developed through research made possible by federal investments.