UN Reports 4.9 Million Children Under Five Died in 2024
Global Child Mortality Slows
An estimated 4.9 million children died before reaching their fifth birthday in 2024, according to a UN report released Wednesday. While under-5 deaths have declined by more than half since 2000, the report warns that the pace of reduction has slowed by over 60% since 2015, signaling that global efforts to reduce child mortality are losing momentum.
The report was produced jointly by UNICEF Children’s Fund”], Organization”,”UN health agency”], World Bank and Regional Disparities**
WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that children living in conflict or crisis zones are nearly three times more likely to die before age five. Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for 58% of under-5 deaths, while Southern Asia accounted for 25%.
Deaths Among Older Children and Young People
The report found that roughly 2.1 million children, adolescents, and young people aged 5-24 died in 2024. Causes of death shifted with age: infectious diseases and injuries predominated among younger children, while self-harm was the leading cause of death for girls aged 15-19, and road traffic injuries were the leading cause for boys.
Call for Continued Investment
The UN report warns that global health funding faces increasing pressure, threatening the sustainability of maternal, newborn, and child health programs. Sustained investment in health services, data systems, and essential care is crucial to preserve past gains and accelerate progress.
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