The report emphasizes that most of these deaths are preventable with proven, low-cost interventions and access to quality health care.
For the first time, this analysis fully integrates global estimates on causes of death to provide a comprehensive picture of not just how many children are dying and where – but why.
Levels and trends in child mortality The report commissioned by the United Nations Inter-Agency Group for Child Mortality Estimates shows that, Although deaths among children under five have fallen by more than half since 2000, the pace of decline has slowed by more than 60 percent since 2015..
Malnutrition and other major threats
Among its key findings, more than 100,000 children aged one month to five years died directly from severe malnutrition – the first global estimate of such deaths – with the highest numbers recorded in Pakistan, Somalia and Sudan.
Experts warn that the actual death toll is likely higher, as malnutrition weakens immunity and increases susceptibility to other diseases, while many cases go unreported.
“No child should die from diseases we know how to prevent. But we are seeing worrying signs that progress on child survival is slowing – and at a time when we are seeing further global budget cuts,” said Katherine Russell, Executive Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund.UNICEF).
A mother holds her newborn baby in the special newborn care unit at a hospital in Uttar Pradesh, India.
Infectious diseases remain a major threat, with nine major infections responsible for 43 percent of under-five deaths globally.
After the first month of life, diseases such as malaria, diarrhea and pneumonia remain the leading causes of death, especially in high-burden settings.
Deaths are concentrated in a handful of endemic countries – including Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Niger and Nigeria – Where conflict, climate shocks, invasive mosquitoes, drug resistance and other biological threats continue to impact access to prevention and treatment.
Newborn deaths now account for almost half of all under-five mortality, reflecting slow progress in preventing deaths around the time of birth. Infections along with premature birth and complications arising during labor and delivery are the major causes.
Children are more likely to die in conflict
Geographic disparities remain serious. Of all under-five deaths in 2024, 58 percent occurred in Sub-Saharan Africa, while 25 percent occurred in Southern Asia.
Children living in fragile and conflict-affected environments are almost three times more likely to die before their fifth birthday than those elsewhere.
The report also states 2.1 million children, adolescents and youth aged 5 to 24 died in 2024. While infectious diseases and injuries remain the leading causes of death in young children, the risks increase in adolescence, with suicide among girls aged 15 to 19 and road traffic injuries being the leading causes of death among boys.
UN officials gave this warning Declines in development financing are increasing pressure on essential maternal, newborn and child health programs.
Countries falling short of meeting child survival targets
Li Junhua, the UN chief of economic and social affairs, described the findings as “a stark reminder” that many countries have lost track of meeting child survival goals. sustainable development goals.
“We know how to prevent these deaths. What is needed now is renewed political commitment, sustained investment in primary health care and robust data systems To ensure that no child is left behind,” he said.
The report underlines that investment in child health is one of the most cost-effective development measures, with proven interventions such as vaccines, nutrition programs and skilled care at birth capable of saving millions of lives.
