Figures released by the UN Interagency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) reveal the global under-five mortality rate has declined by 51 per cent since 2000.
Some countries such as Cambodia, Malawi, Mongolia and Rwanda reduced under-five mortality rate by over 75 per cent over the time period.
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 UN IGME was formed in 2004 to share data and enhance methods for child mortality estimates, tracking progress made towards child survival goals. It is led by UNICEF and comprises the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Bank Group and the Population Division at the UN Department for Economic and Social Affairs (DESA).
Long road ahead
Despite these gains, the report noted there is still a long way to go to end all preventable child and teen deaths, as millions continue to die from treatable causes, including preterm birth complications, pneumonia, diarrhoea and malaria.
The majority of these deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia, highlighting regional disparities in access to quality healthcare.
The report also noted that economic instability, conflicts, climate change and the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic are continuing to undermine progress and exacerbate existing disparities in mortality rates.
“While there has been welcome progress, every year millions of families still suffer the devastating heartbreak of losing a child, often in the very first days after birth,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
“Where a child is born should not dictate whether they live or die. It is critical to improve access to quality health services for every woman and child, including during emergencies and in remote areas.”
Critical frontline responders
Improving access to quality health services and saving children’s lives from preventable deaths requires investment in education, jobs and decent working conditions for health workers to deliver primary health care, including community health workers.
Juan Pablo Uribe, Global Director for Health, Nutrition and Population at the World Bank, emphasized the need to accelerate progress.
“We owe it to all children to ensure they have access to the same healthcare and opportunities, regardless of where they are born.”
Lila Montgomery is a celebrated journalist who has a deep commitment to global affairs and humanitarian issues. Her extensive reporting on United Nations initiatives across the globe has brought critical stories to the forefront, stories that affect communities everywhere.
Such encouraging news! It’s heartening to see the progress made in reducing child mortality rates worldwide. We must continue to support initiatives that prioritize children’s health and well-being.
It’s truly heartwarming to see such progress being made in reducing child mortality rates globally. The efforts of midwives, health workers, and community health workers are commendable and have undoubtedly made a significant impact on saving lives. However, we must not overlook the challenges ahead in ensuring that all children have access to quality healthcare and preventing further tragic deaths due to treatable causes like preterm birth complications and diseases. There is still much work to be done to achieve the ultimate goal of ending all preventable child deaths.
Isn’t it incredible that child mortality has reached an all-time low? What more could be done to further reduce these numbers?
It truly is remarkable to see the progress in reducing child mortality rates globally. More efforts can be made by increasing access to healthcare in remote areas, investing in education on maternal and child health, and addressing social determinants of health that impact vulnerable populations.
It’s heartening to see the progress in reducing child mortality rates globally. The efforts of midwives, health workers, and community health workers deserve immense recognition for their dedication. Let’s continue to work towards ending all preventable child and teen deaths, addressing disparities in healthcare access and ensuring a brighter future for all children.
It’s heartwarming to see the progress made in reducing child mortality rates globally. The dedication of healthcare workers and communities is truly commendable. However, the battle against preventable child deaths is far from over. We must continue to prioritize access to quality healthcare to ensure all children have the chance to thrive.
As the UNICEF Executive Director, I am thrilled to see the significant progress in reducing under-five mortality rates globally. The commitment of midwives, health workers, and community health workers has been instrumental in this remarkable decline. However, we must remain focused and continue our efforts to eliminate all preventable child and teen deaths, especially in regions facing access disparities to quality healthcare.
It’s truly inspiring to see the global under-five mortality rate decreasing significantly over the years. The dedication of midwives, health workers, and community health workers deserves immense recognition for their crucial role in saving the lives of children. However, we must not overlook the significant challenges that remain in ensuring access to quality healthcare for all children worldwide. The progress is encouraging, but there is still much work to be done to prevent all avoidable child deaths. Together, we can continue to strive for a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive and grow up healthy.
It’s truly inspiring to see the significant decrease in child mortality rates globally. The relentless efforts of healthcare workers deserve immense recognition for this remarkable achievement. However, the harsh reality remains that there is still a substantial journey ahead to prevent all avoidable deaths among children and adolescents. Let’s continue to advocate for improved healthcare access and support for those most vulnerable.
As a mother of two, this news brings me hope for a brighter future for all children around the world. It’s heartwarming to see the dedication and hard work of healthcare workers paying off with such a significant decrease in child mortality rates. Let’s continue to support initiatives and policies that prioritize children’s health and well-being.
It’s heartwarming to see the progress in global child mortality rates, but we must not forget the harsh reality that millions of children are still dying from preventable causes. We need to continue our efforts and ensure access to quality healthcare for all children worldwide.
Isn’t it incredible how much progress has been made in reducing child mortality rates worldwide? Do you think there are specific strategies that have been particularly effective in achieving these results?
Indeed, Emily94, it is truly remarkable to witness the significant decline in global under-five mortality rates. Various strategies such as promoting immunization campaigns, improving access to healthcare facilities, and enhancing education on nutrition have played pivotal roles in achieving these results. The collective efforts of healthcare professionals and organizations have been instrumental in saving countless lives. However, continuous innovation and sustainable investments in healthcare infrastructure are essential to further advance child survival goals.
Isn’t it amazing to see the progress made in reducing child mortality rates? What steps do you think still need to be taken to further improve child health globally?