Around 4.9 million children died in 2024, including 2.3 million newborns, highlighting a worrying slowdown in global progress on child survival. Most of these deaths are preventable through low-cost interventions and access to quality healthcare. For the first time, the report provides a complete picture not only of how many children die and where, but also the causes of death. Although child deaths have dropped by more than half since 2000, progress has slowed by more than 60% since 2015.
Severe acute malnutrition caused over 100,000 deaths among children aged one month to five years. Infectious diseases remain a major threat, responsible for 43% of deaths, including malaria, diarrhea, and pneumonia. Malnutrition also weakens the immune system and increases vulnerability to other illnesses.
Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 58% of child deaths, while South Asia represents 25%. Children living in conflict areas are nearly three times more likely to die before age five. Nearly half of all deaths occur during the first month of life, mainly due to complications from premature birth, childbirth issues, and infections.
In 2024, about 2.1 million children and young people aged 5 to 24 also died. Self-harm is the leading cause of death among girls aged 15 to 19, while road accidents are the leading cause among boys.
UN officials warn that declining global funding is putting essential maternal and child health programs at risk. They emphasize that solutions already exist, such as vaccines, nutrition programs, and skilled care at birth, but stronger political commitment and investment are urgently needed.
