Efforts to reduce child mortality worldwide are losing momentum, with millions of children still dying from preventable causes, according to a new report by the United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME).
In a joint statement released on March 18, 2026, the UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that approximately 4.9 million children died before their fifth birthday in 2024, including 2.3 million newborns, underscoring persistent risks during childbirth and the early days of life.
Gains Made, but Progress Slowing
While global child mortality has declined by more than half since 2000, the report highlights a significant slowdown in progress since 2015, raising alarm among public health experts.
The findings indicate that many of the deaths are linked to conditions that are both preventable and treatable, including infections, malnutrition, and complications during birth.
Malnutrition and Disease Remain Major Killers
Severe acute malnutrition directly caused more than 100,000 deaths among children aged one month to five years in 2024. Experts warn that the actual toll is likely higher, as malnutrition weakens immunity and increases susceptibility to diseases such as pneumonia and diarrhoea.
Newborn deaths accounted for nearly half of all under-five fatalities, with complications from premature birth and difficulties during labour cited as leading causes.
Among older infants and young children, infectious diseases remain a major threat. Malaria alone contributes to 17 per cent of deaths in children aged one month to five years, with the burden disproportionately affecting sub-Saharan Africa.
Regional Disparities Persist
Sub-Saharan Africa recorded the highest share of global child deaths at 58 per cent, reflecting disparities in healthcare access, infrastructure, and economic stability. Countries affected by conflict and fragile health systems were identified as the most vulnerable.
South Asia accounted for about a quarter of global child deaths, with most fatalities occurring within the first month of life highlighting gaps in antenatal care and skilled birth attendance.
Global Leaders Raise Concern
Catherine Russell warned that progress is at risk of reversing amid declining global health funding.
“No child should die from diseases that we know how to prevent, yet progress in child survival is slowing at a time of budget cuts,” she said.
Similarly, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that children in conflict-affected regions face significantly higher risks.
“Children living amid conflict and crisis are nearly three times more likely to die before their fifth birthday,” he noted.
Wider Risks Among Young People
The report also highlights broader mortality trends, estimating that 2.1 million individuals aged between five and 24 years died in 2024. Among adolescents, leading causes of death include infectious diseases, road traffic accidents, and self-harm.
Urgent Call for Investment
Health experts stress that proven interventions such as vaccination, improved nutrition, and access to skilled healthcare during childbirth remain critical to reducing child mortality.
Monique Vledder called for accelerated implementation of these solutions, noting that investments in primary healthcare systems are essential to saving lives.
Li Liu added that targeted investments in health and nutrition could prevent millions of deaths.
Outlook
Despite the slowdown, experts maintain that progress remains achievable if governments and development partners sustain funding, political commitment, and health system strengthening efforts.
The report concludes that while the world has made significant strides in reducing child mortality, renewed urgency is required to ensure that preventable deaths are eliminated and global targets are met.
