Global child mortality hits record low, but progress threatened by funding cuts - UN IGME Report

In 2023, 4.8 million children died before their fifth birthday. The number of stillbirths slightly decreased to around 1.9 million. These findings come from two reports by the United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME).

Since 2000, child deaths have dropped by more than half. Stillbirths have fallen by over a third due to global investments in child survival.

In 2022, child deaths fell below five million for the first time. However, progress has slowed, and many children still die from preventable causes.

Recent aid cuts from major donors are seen as a setback. Experts warn these cuts lead to fewer healthcare workers and clinic closures.

These reductions disrupt vaccination campaigns and limit access to treatments like malaria care. This makes it harder to reach vulnerable children.

Even before the funding crisis, progress in child survival was slowing down. Since 2015, the annual decline in under-five mortality has slowed by 42%. The reduction in stillbirths has decreased by 53% compared to 2000-2015.

Nearly half of under-five deaths occur within the first month of life. Premature birth and complications during labor are primary causes.

After this period, infectious diseases like pneumonia and malaria cause most preventable deaths. Additionally, maternal infections often lead to late stillbirths during labor.

The reports emphasize improving access to quality maternal and child healthcare will save lives. This includes preventive care in communities and timely health facility visits at birth.

High-quality antenatal and postnatal care is essential for mothers and newborns. Routine vaccinations and nutrition programs also play a crucial role in saving lives.

A child's place of birth greatly affects their chances of survival. For example, dying before age five is 80 times more likely in high-mortality countries than low-mortality ones.

Children born in sub-Saharan Africa are 18 times more likely to die before age five compared to those born in Australia or New Zealand. Within countries, poorer children face higher risks.

Stillbirth rates show similar disparities; nearly 80% occur in sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia. Women there are six to eight times more likely to experience stillbirth than those in Europe or North America.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell noted that millions of children survive due to global commitments like vaccines and sanitation access. She warned that without proper policies and investments, gains could be reversed.

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed addressing issues like malaria can significantly help families' health outcomes. He called for increased collaboration amid funding cuts.

Juan Pablo Uribe from the World Bank highlighted that most preventable child deaths happen in low-income countries with limited access to services. Investing in children's health ensures their future contributions to society.

Li Junhua from UN DESA stated that disparities in child mortality remain a major challenge globally. Reducing these differences is vital for sustainable development and equity.

UN IGME members urge governments and partners to protect progress made so far while accelerating efforts needed for improvement. Increased investments are crucial for expanding access to life-saving services for children and pregnant mothers.

The two reports—Levels & Trends in Child Mortality and Counting Every Stillbirth—are part of a series releasing global data sets through 2025.