ChildMortality – Global Child Deaths Fall, India Shows Strong Progress
ChildMortality – A recent United Nations assessment estimates that nearly 4.9 million children worldwide died before reaching the age of five in 2024, including about 2.3 million newborns. The findings underline both the progress made over recent decades and the urgent need to accelerate efforts to prevent avoidable deaths.
Preventable Causes Still Drive Majority of Child Deaths
The report highlights that a significant proportion of these deaths could have been avoided through affordable and proven healthcare measures. Basic interventions such as timely vaccinations, improved nutrition, and access to quality medical care remain critical in reducing mortality rates among young children.
Health experts stress that many fatalities are linked to conditions that are treatable or preventable, including pneumonia, diarrhoea, malaria, and complications during childbirth. Expanding access to essential healthcare services continues to be a key priority globally.
India Records Notable Improvements in Child Survival
India has emerged as a major contributor to the decline in child mortality, particularly in the South Asia region. The country has achieved substantial progress across both neonatal and under-five mortality indicators over the past two decades.
Data shows that India’s neonatal mortality rate has dropped significantly, falling from 57 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 17 in 2024. Similarly, the under-five mortality rate has seen a sharp reduction, declining from 127 to 27 during the same period.
These improvements are largely attributed to expanded immunisation programmes, better institutional delivery systems, and targeted public health initiatives aimed at maternal and child care.
South Asia Sees Rapid Decline in Child Death Rates
The broader South Asia region has witnessed one of the fastest reductions in child mortality globally. Under-five deaths in the region have fallen by 76 percent since 1990, with mortality rates dropping from 92 per 1,000 live births in 2000 to around 32 in 2024.
India’s large-scale healthcare interventions have played a central role in driving this progress. Efforts such as strengthening newborn care units, improving antenatal and postnatal services, and ensuring skilled attendance at birth have significantly improved survival outcomes.
Focus Shifts to Newborn Health Challenges
Despite overall gains, newborn deaths now account for nearly half of all under-five fatalities worldwide. Complications related to premature birth and difficulties during labour remain leading causes, along with infections and congenital conditions.
This shift highlights the growing importance of improving care during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as providing specialised support for vulnerable newborns.
Malnutrition and Infectious Diseases Remain Key Risks
The report also identifies severe acute malnutrition as a major contributor to child mortality. More than 100,000 children aged between one month and five years died directly due to this condition in 2024. When indirect effects are considered, the impact is even greater, as malnutrition weakens immunity and increases vulnerability to infections.
Beyond infancy, diseases such as malaria, diarrhoea, and pneumonia continue to pose serious threats. Malaria remains a leading cause of death among young children, particularly in parts of sub-Saharan Africa where healthcare access remains limited.
Global Progress Slowing Amid Funding Concerns
While significant progress has been made since 2000, recent trends indicate a slowdown in reducing child mortality rates. Experts warn that declining global health funding and ongoing conflicts are placing additional pressure on healthcare systems, especially in vulnerable regions.
Children living in crisis-affected areas face a much higher risk of dying before their fifth birthday, underscoring the need for targeted interventions and sustained international support.
Investment in Child Health Seen as High-Impact Strategy
The report emphasizes that investing in child health delivers strong long-term benefits. Measures such as vaccination programmes, improved nutrition, and skilled medical care not only save lives but also contribute to economic growth and reduced healthcare costs in the future.
Studies suggest that every dollar invested in child survival can generate significant social and economic returns, making it one of the most effective development strategies.
India Positioned to Lead Further Progress
India’s continued focus on reducing neonatal mortality and addressing birth-related complications positions it as a key player in global child health efforts. With sustained policy support and expanded healthcare access, the country is expected to contribute significantly toward achieving international child survival targets.
As global progress faces new challenges, India’s experience offers a practical model for other nations aiming to reduce preventable child deaths and strengthen public health systems.