About Poverty & Child Health Poverty & Child Health About In response to the growing number of children living in poor and low-income households in the United States, the AAP is addressing “Poverty and Child Health” as an AAP strategic priority. AAP Strategic PriorityIn response to the growing number of children living in poor households in the United States, the AAP is addressing “Poverty and Child Health” as a strategic priority.Overview1 in 5 U.S. children lives in poverty.Research shows that living in poverty can have detrimental health consequences that are severe and lifelong.