Global Progress in Reducing Child Deaths Slows as 4.9 Million Die in 2024

GENEVA — An estimated 4.9 million children died before their fifth birthday in 2024, according to a new report by the World Health Organization and partners, highlighting a slowdown in global progress to reduce child mortality.

The report found that 2.3 million of these deaths were newborns, with most cases considered preventable through access to basic, low-cost healthcare services.

While under-five deaths have declined by more than half since 2000, the pace of reduction has slowed by over 60 percent since 2015, raising concerns over stalled gains.

For the first time, the report also included causes of death, estimating that over 100,000 children died from severe acute malnutrition in 2024, alongside major causes such as preterm birth complications, infections, malaria, and pneumonia.

Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for the majority of under-five deaths, reflecting ongoing disparities in access to healthcare. The report warned that children in conflict-affected and fragile settings remain at highest risk.

Health officials stressed that most child deaths are preventable and called for stronger investment in healthcare systems, nutrition, and essential services to accelerate progress.

Source: WHO-World Health Organization,18 March 2026

https://www.who.int/news/item/18-03-2026-progress-in-reducing-child-deaths-slows-as-4.9-million-children-die-before-age-five

Reported by The Khmer Today