About 7.7 million babies—roughly 23,000 daily—entered the world in 43 humanitarian crises through 2025. This marks a 10% rise from 7 million in 2021, with many mothers delivering in tents, displacement camps, or disaster-struck areas, says Save the Children.
Seven in ten of these newborns face conflict zones like Sudan and Gaza, where food shortages, aid blocks, and destroyed health facilities heighten risks for mothers and infants.
Conflicts and Disasters Threaten Newborn Survival
The number of children in conflict areas reached a record 520 million in 2024, amplifying dangers for 2025 births. In places like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), maternal and neonatal death rates rank among the world’s highest due to war-damaged infrastructure.
Save the Children supports critical care, as seen with Shekinah in Goma, DRC. This 26-year-old mother of four underwent a free caesarean for her son Muhindo at a partner hospital, avoiding deadly home birth. She shared, “Without this help, I would have died—I had no money or means.”
In Yemen’s decade-long crisis, 1,800 babies arrive daily amid aid cuts. Eight-month-old Murad from Taiz recovered from severe malnutrition after treatment at a Save the Children center, aided by his mother Fatima despite economic collapse.
Calls for Increased Health Worker Support and Funding
Abraham Varampath, Save the Children’s health lead, warns that these babies fight for survival from birth in shattered systems. Mothers endure risky journeys during floods or heatwaves, lacking skilled care every newborn deserves.
Most maternal and newborn deaths remain preventable with quality support. The organization urges leaders to boost funding for maternal, newborn, and child health, plus train midwives, nurses, and community workers.
Q&A: Key Facts on Babies Born in Crises
Q: How many babies were born into crises in 2025?
A: An estimated 7.7 million through November, averaging 23,000 daily across 43 humanitarian situations.
Q: Which regions face the worst newborn risks?
A: Conflict zones like Sudan, Gaza, DRC, and Yemen, where health systems suffer from attacks and aid restrictions.
Q: Why has this number increased 10% since 2021?
A: Escalating conflicts and disasters have expanded crisis-affected populations, hitting record child numbers in 2024.
Q: What solutions does Save the Children propose?
A: Protect funding for primary healthcare, recruit and train health workers, and prevent aid cuts from endangering lives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What defines a humanitarian crisis birth?
A1: Deliveries in conflict zones, displacement camps, or disaster areas lacking proper maternal and newborn care.
Q2: How do conflicts impact newborn health?
A2: They destroy hospitals, block aid, cause food shortages, and expose families to chronic stress and violence.
Q3: Can these deaths be prevented?
A3: Yes, most result from absent skilled birth attendants and quality healthcare, both fixable with investment.
Q4: What role do organizations like Save the Children play?
A4: They provide free treatment, nutrition care, and support in partner facilities amid destroyed infrastructure.
Q5: Why train more midwives and nurses now?
A5: These workers deliver essential care in crises, filling gaps where systems collapse under pressure.
