The number of deaths for those under five was 4.8 million in 2023 – a significant drop – the dough dead marginally falling to around 1.9 million, the data published by the UN show.
Despite this, decades of progress harshly won in the survival of children are threatened due to financing reductions, challenges of the health system and regional disparities, the UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) warn alongside members of the Interagence Igme network.
“Millions of children are alive today due to global commitment to proven interventions, such as vaccines, nutrition and access to safe water and basic sanitation,” said Catherine Russell, executive director of UNICEF.
“Putting deaths for avoidable children at a record level is a remarkable achievement. But Without good political choices and adequate investments, we risk reverse these hard -won earnings, with millions of other children dying of avoidable causes. We cannot allow this to happen“She said.
Avoidable causes of children’s deaths
Data – contained in two reports – have also shown that almost half of the deaths of under five have occurred during the first month of life, mainly because of births and premature complications during work.
For those who survived early childhood, infectious diseases – such as pneumonia, malaria and diarrhea – have remained the main causes of preventable death.
In addition, almost half of late mortinagers occur during work, often due to maternal infections, prolonged or obstructed workforce and lack of medical intervention in a timely manner.
Experts have stressed that improving access to maternal health care, newborns and high quality children is essential to prevent these deaths.
Mortality rate of less than five years.
Regional disparities
Where a child was born greatly influenced his chances of survival. In low -income countries, essential services, vaccines and treatments are often inaccessible, contributing to disproportionately high mortality rates.
The risk of death before having five times more high in the highest country than the lowest country, according to reports. In countries, the poorest children, those who live in rural areas and those with less educated mothers have faced higher risks.
Mortinagites have followed similar models, with Women in low -income countries eight times more likely to feel mortinity than those of high -income countries.
Financing cuts
Funding cuts for wild children’s survival programs aggravate existing disparities.
The reduction of resources has led to health care shortages, clinic closings, disruptions of vaccination campaigns and essential supplies shortages such as malaria treatments.
The countries affected by humanitarian crises, those with significant debt charges or which are already faced with high infant mortality rates are particularly affected.
Appeal to action
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who director general, stressed the need to urgently develop collaboration to protect the lives of children and their health.
“”From the fight against malaria to the prevention of mortanities and to the guarantee of care based on evidence for the smallest babies, we can make a difference for millions of families“He said.
