A new report by the World Health Organisation says an estimated 4.9 million children died before their fifth birthday in 2024, including 2.3 million newborns. The findings were released on Wednesday in the latest global assessment of child mortality.
The report, compiled by the United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation, shows that although under-five deaths have fallen by more than half since 2000, progress has slowed significantly since 2015. Many of the deaths were described as preventable.
It found that newborn deaths accounted for nearly half of all fatalities, with leading causes including complications from preterm birth and labour, as well as infections. Malaria and severe acute malnutrition were also identified as major contributors to deaths among older children.
Also Read: 80% Under-Five Deaths Occur In Primary Health Centres — Osinbajo
Sub-Saharan Africa recorded 58 per cent of all under-five deaths, with countries such as Pakistan, Somalia and Sudan among the hardest hit. The report called for increased investment in healthcare, nutrition and child survival programmes, particularly in conflict-affected regions.
Leave feedback about this
You must be logged in to post a comment.