12 March 2024 - The fight against child mortality has reached an historic milestone the UN announced on Wednesday with latest estimates revealing the number of children dying prematurely before their fifth birthday fell to 4.9 million in 2022.
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).
Read more: https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1147507