Global child mortality rate hits historic low: UN report

The latest report from the United Nations Inter-Agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) reveals significant progress in reducing child mortality globally, with the number of children dying before their fifth birthday reaching a historic low of 4.9 million in 2022.

This represents a 51 percent decline in the global under-5 mortality rate since 2000.

Several low- and lower-middle-income countries, such as Cambodia, Malawi, Mongolia, and Rwanda, have achieved even greater reductions, with under-5 mortality rates dropping by over 75 percent since 2000.

However, despite this progress, there is still a long way to go to end all preventable child deaths.

Tragically, 4.9 million children under the age of 5 and an additional 2.1 million children and youth aged 5-24 lost their lives in 2022, with most deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia.

Many of these deaths are due to preventable or treatable causes such as preterm birth, birth complications, pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria.

To address these challenges, the report emphasizes the importance of improving access to high-quality primary health care, including essential interventions such as vaccinations, skilled birth attendance, breastfeeding support, and treatment for childhood illnesses.

It also highlights the crucial role of community health workers in delivering life-saving services and calls for investment in education, jobs, and decent working conditions for health workers.

Despite progress, the report warns of threats and inequities that could jeopardize child survival, including increasing economic instability, conflicts, climate change, and the ongoing impact of COVID-19.

Children born into the poorest households and those living in fragile or conflict-affected settings are particularly vulnerable.

Looking ahead, the report stresses the need for accelerated progress, increased investments, collaboration, and a focus on reducing inequities to end preventable child deaths worldwide.

It calls for improvements in data collection and statistical systems to better track and monitor child survival and health outcomes, particularly in regions with high mortality burdens.

Overall, while there have been significant achievements in reducing child mortality, continued efforts and investments are essential to ensure that all children have access to quality health care and opportunities for a healthy life, regardless of where they are born.