Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Child Deaths Fall In India Since 2000 But Progress Slows, Says UN Report

An estimated 4.9 million children died before reaching their fifth birthday in 2024, including 2.3 million newborns, according to the latest United Nations report on global child mortality. The findings were released in the report Levels and Trends in Child Mortality, which examines the leading causes of deaths among children worldwide.

The report notes that many of these deaths could have been prevented through simple and affordable health measures. Access to quality healthcare, timely treatment, vaccination, and better nutrition remain key factors in reducing <span>child deaths</span>.

Over the past two decades, the world has made significant progress. Global under five deaths have dropped by more than half since 2000. However, the pace of improvement has slowed in recent years. Since 2015, the rate of decline in child mortality has fallen by more than 60 percent, raising concerns among health experts.

<h2>India Shows Steady Progress In Reducing Child Mortality</h2>

Despite global challenges, India has made notable progress in improving child survival rates through sustained public health efforts.

According to the United Nations Inter Agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UNIGME) Report 2025, India has steadily reduced deaths among newborns and young children over the past decades. The Union Health Ministry said the country has played an important role in lowering child mortality across South Asia.

India’s Neonatal Mortality Rate, which measures deaths within the first 28 days of life, has seen a major decline. In 1990, the rate stood at 57 deaths per 1,000 live births. By 2024, it had dropped to 17.

A similar trend was seen in the Under Five Mortality Rate. In 1990, India recorded 127 deaths per 1,000 live births among children under five. By 2024, that number had fallen sharply to 27.

Health officials attribute this progress to targeted public health programmes, improved hospital deliveries, and wider vaccination coverage.

<h2>Malnutrition And Infections Still Claim Many Young Lives</h2>

The report highlights that several preventable health conditions continue to drive child deaths across the world.

For the first time, the report estimated deaths directly caused by severe acute malnutrition. It found that more than 100,000 children aged between one month and five years died due to severe malnutrition in 2024.

Experts believe the real impact may be even higher because malnutrition often weakens the immune system. This makes children more vulnerable to common infections such as pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria, which can become life threatening.

Some countries reporting high numbers of malnutrition related deaths include Pakistan, Somalia, and Sudan.

<h2>Newborn Complications Remain A Major Concern</h2>

Nearly half of all deaths among children under five occur during the newborn stage. This reflects slower progress in preventing deaths around the time of birth.

The leading causes of newborn deaths include complications related to premature birth, which account for about 36 percent of cases. Problems during labor and delivery contribute to around 21 percent of deaths.

Other important causes include infections such as neonatal sepsis and certain birth defects.

After the first month of life, infectious diseases remain the main threats to children’s survival. Malaria, diarrhea, and pneumonia are among the biggest causes of death.

<h2>Health Experts Stress Need For Continued Investment</h2>

The report also points out that global funding for maternal and child health programmes is facing increasing pressure. This could slow progress in reducing child deaths in the coming years.

Experts stress that investing in child health remains one of the most effective public health strategies. Basic interventions such as vaccination, treatment for severe malnutrition, and skilled care during childbirth can save millions of lives.

According to the report, such measures not only improve health outcomes but also strengthen economies by creating healthier and more productive populations.

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An estimated 4.9 million children died before reaching their fifth birthday in 2024, including 2.3 million newborns, according to the latest United Nations report on global child mortality. The findings were released in the report Levels and Trends in Child Mortality, which examines the leading causes of deaths among children worldwide.The report notes that many of these deaths could have been prevented through simple and affordable health measures. Access to quality healthcare, timely treatment, vaccination, and better nutrition remain key factors in reducing child deaths.Over the past two decades, the world has made significant progress. Global under five deaths have dropped by more than half since 2000. However, the pace of improvement has slowed in recent years. Since 2015, the rate of decline in child mortality has fallen by more than 60 percent, raising concerns among health experts.India Shows Steady Progress In Reducing Child MortalityDespite global challenges, India has made notable progress in improving child survival rates through sustained public health efforts.According to the United Nations Inter Agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UNIGME) Report 2025, India has steadily reduced deaths among newborns and young children over the past decades. The Union Health Ministry said the country has played an important role in lowering child mortality across South Asia.India’s Neonatal Mortality Rate, which measures deaths within the first 28 days of life, has seen a major decline. In 1990, the rate stood at 57 deaths per 1,000 live births. By 2024, it had dropped to 17.A similar trend was seen in the Under Five Mortality Rate. In 1990, India recorded 127 deaths per 1,000 live births among children under five. By 2024, that number had fallen sharply to 27.Health officials attribute this progress to targeted public health programmes, improved hospital deliveries, and wider vaccination coverage.Malnutrition And Infections Still Claim Many Young LivesThe report highlights that several preventable health conditions continue to drive child deaths across the world.For the first time, the report estimated deaths directly caused by severe acute malnutrition. It found that more than 100,000 children aged between one month and five years died due to severe malnutrition in 2024.Experts believe the real impact may be even higher because malnutrition often weakens the immune system. This makes children more vulnerable to common infections such as pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria, which can become life threatening.Some countries reporting high numbers of malnutrition related deaths include Pakistan, Somalia, and Sudan.Newborn Complications Remain A Major ConcernNearly half of all deaths among children under five occur during the newborn stage. This reflects slower progress in preventing deaths around the time of birth.The leading causes of newborn deaths include complications related to premature birth, which account for about 36 percent of cases. Problems during labor and delivery contribute to around 21 percent of deaths.Other important causes include infections such as neonatal sepsis and certain birth defects.After the first month of life, infectious diseases remain the main threats to children’s survival. Malaria, diarrhea, and pneumonia are among the biggest causes of death.Health Experts Stress Need For Continued InvestmentThe report also points out that global funding for maternal and child health programmes is facing increasing pressure. This could slow progress in reducing child deaths in the coming years.Experts stress that investing in child health remains one of the most effective public health strategies. Basic interventions such as vaccination, treatment for severe malnutrition, and skilled care during childbirth can save millions of lives.According to the report, such measures not only improve health outcomes but also strengthen economies by creating healthier and more productive populations.