Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
March 17, 2026 Healthcare
An estimated 4.9 million children, including 2.3 million newborns, will die before reaching their fifth birthday in 2024. New research findings highlight an alarming slowdown in global progress in reducing child mortality.
Most of these deaths are preventable with proven, affordable interventions.
The report "Levels and Trends in Child Mortality," published by the UN Inter-Agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation, shows that while under-five mortality has more than halved since 2000, the rate of progress has slowed by more than 60 percent since 2015. The report's authors note that this is the first study of its kind, which takes into account statistics from around the world and analyzes the causes of death.
Malnutrition and other major threats
More than 100,000 children aged one month to five years have died directly from severe acute malnutrition. The highest death tolls were recorded in Pakistan, Somalia, and Sudan. This is the first global estimate of this mortality factor. Experts warn that the actual number is likely higher, as malnutrition weakens the immune system and increases susceptibility to other dangerous diseases, and many cases go unreported.
"No child should die from diseases we can prevent. However, we are seeing alarming signs that progress in preventing child deaths is slowing – and this is happening against a backdrop of further cuts to global budgets," said Catherine Russell, Executive Director of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
© VPP/S. Reynders
A child receives treatment for malnutrition at a WFP-supported clinic in South Sudan.
Infectious diseases remain a serious threat: nine infections account for 43 percent of all deaths in children under five globally. After the first month of life, malaria, diarrhea, and pneumonia remain the leading causes of death. Mortality remains concentrated in a limited number of countries with endemic infections, including Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Niger, and Nigeria, where conflict, climate change, the spread of disease vectors, drug resistance, and other threats continue to limit access to prevention and treatment.
Newborn mortality now accounts for almost half of all deaths among children under five, reflecting slower progress in preventing deaths during this period of life. The main causes are complications associated with preterm birth, as well as complications during childbirth and infections.
Children die more often in conflict situations
Geographical disparities remain significant. In 2024, sub-Saharan Africa accounted for 58 percent of all under-five deaths, with South Asia accounting for another 25 percent.
Children living in fragile and conflict-affected areas are almost three times more likely to die before reaching the age of five than children in other areas.
The report also notes that 2.1 million children, adolescents, and young adults aged 5 to 24 will die in 2024. While infectious diseases and injuries remain the leading causes of death among younger children, the risk profile shifts during adolescence: among girls aged 15 to 19, self-harm is the leading cause of death, while among boys, it is road traffic accidents.
UN officials warn that cuts in foreign aid are undermining efforts to protect maternal and child health.
Global goals
UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua called the data a "stark reminder" that many countries are not on track to meet the targets set out in the Agenda for Sustainable Development.
"We know how to prevent these deaths. What's needed now is renewed political commitment, sustained investment in primary health care, and more robust data systems to ensure no child is left behind," he noted.
The report emphasizes that investing in children's health is one of the most cost-effective development interventions. Vaccinations, nutrition programs, and skilled birth attendance can save millions of lives.
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