Since 2000, the global under-five mortality rate has declined by 528 per cent, reflecting an immense collective effort by governments, donors and communities. This progress represents millions of lives saved – children who have had the chance to grow, learn and contribute to their communities and society as a whole.
Nevertheless, the most recent estimates on under-five mortality leave little doubt that the journey to ending all preventable child deaths is far from over. In 2023 alone, 4.8 (4.5– 5.3)9 million children died before reaching their fifth birthday, mostly from preventable causes.
This report by the United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation provides the latest data and trends on child mortality. It calls on governement, donors and partners for greater political will to end preventable child mortality.