🧒🏿 UN: Historic milestone as the number of child deaths falls below 5 million for the first time

• The number of children dying before the age of five has decreased to under 5 million globally for the first time.
• Since 2000, the global under-five mortality rate has more than halved.
• Several low- and lower-middle-income countries have surpassed the global decline, with some reducing child mortality by more than two-thirds since 2000.

Significant progress in reducing child deaths

A recently published report from the UN shows that the number of children dying before the age of five globally has fallen to under 5 million for the first time. Since 2000, the global mortality rate for children under five has more than halved, from 76 per 1,000 live births to 37 per 1,000 live births.

This reduction is the result of concerted efforts across multiple fronts, including improved access to healthcare and vaccination programs.

Sharp decline also in low-income countries

Several low- and lower-middle-income countries have outperformed the global reduction in mortality, and in some cases, they have reduced their figures by more than two-thirds since 2000.

However, child mortality remains highest in low-income countries, with 65 deaths per 1,000 live births.

Much more needs to be done

Despite these advances, an estimated 4.9 million children under five died in 2022, of which 2.3 million were in their first month of life. These deaths often result from complications related to childbirth and preterm birth, which can be managed with adequate care.

To achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goal of 25 or fewer deaths per 1,000 live births for children under five by 2030, further efforts are required.

Reaching this goal does not require revolutionary breakthroughs but increased prosperity and improved access to basic healthcare, nutritious food, and vaccines.

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