Recent reports from the United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation reveal a decrease in child mortality rates worldwide, with 4.8 million children dying before their fifth birthday in 2023. Despite this progress, funding cuts for child health initiatives pose a threat to the advancements made in child survival programs. Since 2000, child deaths have been reduced by more than half, largely attributed to sustained investments in interventions like vaccines, nutrition, and sanitation.
Global child mortality fell below five million for the first time in 2022, marking a significant milestone. However, progress has slowed, and preventable deaths remain high. Reduced funding for child survival programs has led to healthcare worker shortages, clinic closures, disrupted vaccination programs, and inadequate medical supplies, particularly affecting regions with high child mortality rates.
Efforts to prevent child deaths are crucial, including addressing issues like malaria, stillbirths, and newborn care. The reports emphasize the importance of quality maternal and child healthcare, vaccination programs, and disease treatment to save lives. Disparities in child mortality rates between high- and low-income countries are stark, highlighting the need for global collaboration and increased investment to ensure all children have equal access to life-saving services.
UN IGME members are calling on governments, donors, and private-sector partners to protect progress in reducing child mortality and intensify efforts to prevent more deaths. They stress the significance of increased investment, service integration, and innovation to expand access to essential healthcare, nutrition, and social protection services for children and pregnant mothers.