Childhood Deaths At Record Low, but Progress 'Precarious' - UN

A UN report reveals that the global under-five mortality rate reached a historic low in 2022, with an estimated 4.9 million children dying before their fifth birthday, marking a 51% decrease since 2000 and a 62% drop since 1990. Progress was particularly noteworthy in developing nations like Malawi, Rwanda, and Mongolia, where early childhood mortality declined by over 75% since 2000.

Despite this achievement, the report shows the precarious nature of the progress, citing a risk of stagnation or reversal unless efforts are intensified to address threats to newborn and child health. The reduction in under-five deaths has slowed globally, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell praised the dedicated efforts of midwives, health workers and community health workers, whose commitment has contributed to the remarkable decline. "Through decades of commitment by individuals, communities and nations to reach children with low-cost, quality and effective health services, we've shown that we have the knowledge and tools to save lives," she said.

The report calls for urgent investment in children's health to achieve the UN's goal of reducing under-five deaths to 25 per 1,000 births by 2030. Glaring inequalities persist, with sub-Saharan Africa accounting for half of all under-five deaths in 2022.