Global child mortality: 4.9 million children under the age of five died in 2024

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Extract from the article: Nearly 4.9 million children worldwide died before the age of five in 2024, including 2.3 million newborns, according to new estimates published by the World Health Organization (WHO).

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Nearly 4.9 million children worldwide died before the age of five in 2024, including 2.3 million newborns, according to new estimates published by the World Health Organization (WHO).

According to the report « Levels and Trends in Child Mortality », the majority of these deaths could have been prevented with simple, proven interventions and improved access to quality health care.

The document does, however, highlight progress over the last two decades. Since 2000, the number of under-five deaths has fallen by more than half globally. This trend, however, has slowed since 2015, with the pace of progress falling by more than 60%.

Newborns remain the most at-risk group, accounting for nearly half of all child deaths. The main causes identified are complications related to prematurity, difficulties during childbirth, infections and congenital anomalies. Among children over one month of age, malaria, pneumonia and diarrhoea are among the leading causes of death, with malaria being particularly deadly in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Malnutrition also remains a major aggravating factor. More than 100,000 children aged 1-59 months died directly from severe acute malnutrition in 2024, according to the report. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 58% of global child deaths, followed by South Asia with 25%, in a context marked by poverty, conflict and the effects of climate change.

In response, experts call for strengthening health systems, investing in primary health care, and ensuring sustainable funding to improve child survival.

Jean ELI