Global Child Mortality Rates Slowing, Nearly 5 Million Deaths in 2024

An estimated 4.9 million children died before their fifth birthday in 2024, including 2.3 million newborns, according to novel estimates released on March 18, 2026 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations. Even as significant progress has been made since 2000, the rate of reduction in child mortality has slowed dramatically since 2015, raising concerns about global health trends.

Progress Stalled After Decades of Decline

Under-five deaths globally have more than halved since 2000. However, the pace of reduction has slowed by over 60% since 2015 according to the UN. This slowdown underscores the challenges in reaching the most vulnerable populations and maintaining momentum in child survival efforts.

Severe Acute Malnutrition a Significant Contributor

For the first time, the report estimates deaths directly caused by severe acute malnutrition (SAM), finding that more than 100,000 children aged 1-59 months – or 5% – died from it in 2024 . The impact of malnutrition is even greater when considering its indirect effects, as it weakens children’s immunity and increases their risk of dying from common childhood diseases. Mortality data often underestimates the role of SAM as an underlying cause of death.

Countries with the highest numbers of direct deaths from SAM include Pakistan, Somalia, and Sudan .

Newborn Deaths Remain a Major Concern

Nearly half of all under-five deaths occur in the newborn period, indicating slower progress in preventing deaths around the time of birth. Leading causes of newborn deaths include complications from preterm birth (36%) and complications during labor and delivery (21%) . Infections, including neonatal sepsis and congenital anomalies, also contribute significantly.

Infectious Diseases Continue to Threaten Child Survival

Beyond the first month of life, infectious diseases such as malaria, diarrhea, and pneumonia remain major killers. Malaria is the single largest killer in this age group (17%), with most deaths occurring in endemic areas of sub-Saharan Africa . Progress in reducing malaria mortality has slowed in recent years due to factors like conflict, climate shocks, and drug resistance.

Regional Disparities in Child Mortality

Child deaths are heavily concentrated in specific regions. In 2024, sub-Saharan Africa accounted for 58% of all under-five deaths . In this region, infectious diseases are responsible for 54% of all under-five deaths. In contrast, Europe and Northern America account for only 9% of deaths from infectious diseases, while Australia and New Zealand see only 6% . These disparities highlight unequal access to life-saving interventions.

Southern Asia accounts for 25% of all under-five deaths, with mortality largely driven by complications in the first month of life, including preterm delivery, birth asphyxia, congenital anomalies, and neonatal infections .

Impact of Conflict and Fragility

Children born in fragile and conflict-affected countries are nearly three times more likely to die before their fifth birthday than those in other settings .

Beyond Under-Five Mortality

An estimated 2.1 million children, adolescents, and youth aged 5–24 died in 2024 . Infectious diseases and injuries are leading causes among younger children, while self-harm is the leading cause of death among girls aged 15–19, and road traffic injuries among boys.

The Need for Increased Investment

Experts warn that shifts in global development financing are placing critical maternal, newborn, and child health programs under pressure. Sustained funding is needed to protect progress and accelerate reductions in child mortality. Investments in child health are among the most cost-effective development measures, with every dollar invested potentially generating up to twenty dollars in social and economic benefits .

Recommendations for Accelerating Progress

• Make child survival a political and financing priority.
• Focus on those at highest risk, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia, and in conflict and fragile settings.
• Strengthen accountability for existing commitments.
• Invest in primary health care systems.

“No child should die from diseases that we know how to prevent,” said Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director . “We must protect essential health and nutrition services and reach the most vulnerable families so every child has the chance not only to survive, but to thrive.”