The number of children dying before their fifth birthday has dropped to a historic low. This is according to the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF). However, this progress is at risk due to funding cuts and healthcare disparities, which could affect child mortality rates.
New data from UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) shows 4.8 million child deaths in 2023. Stillbirths also declined slightly to 1.9 million. Despite these gains, experts warn that without sustained investment, millions of preventable deaths could occur, impacting child mortality further.
The Impact of Funding Cuts
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized the role of global interventions in reducing child deaths. “Vaccines, nutrition, and safe water have saved millions,” she said. “But without policy action and adequate funding, we risk undoing this progress, potentially leading to an increase in child mortality.”
A reduction in resources has already disrupted essential programs. Shortages of healthcare workers, clinic closures, and gaps in vaccination campaigns are putting children at greater risk, contributing to higher child mortality rates.
Preventable Causes of Child Deaths
Nearly half of all child deaths occur within the first month of life. Premature birth and complications during labor remain leading causes of child mortality.
Among older infants and toddlers, infectious diseases like pneumonia, malaria, and diarrhea continue to claim lives. Many stillbirths also result from maternal infections, prolonged labor, and a lack of timely medical care.
Regional Disparities Worsen the Crisis
Where a child is born greatly impacts their survival chances. The reports highlight stark differences between regions, which affect child mortality rates:
- In sub-Saharan Africa, 69 children die per 1,000 live births.
- Asia records an average of 26 deaths per 1,000.
- Latin America and the Caribbean see 16 deaths per 1,000.
- Europe and North America have significantly lower rates, at 4 and 6 per 1,000, respectively.
A similar trend is evident in stillbirths. Women in low-income countries face an eightfold higher risk than those in high-income nations. This disparity is a key factor in global child mortality.
Urgent Call to Action
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged global leaders to act swiftly. “We must scale up efforts to prevent stillbirths, tackle malaria, and provide evidence-based care for newborns,” he stated, stressing the impact on child mortality.
With global economic challenges, investment in healthcare remains critical. UNICEF and WHO call for immediate action to safeguard the hard-earned progress in child survival, which is essential to combat child mortality.
If governments and organizations fail to act, millions of children could face preventable deaths, reversing decades of improvement in child mortality rates.
