Global Progress in Child Mortality Reduction: UN Report Highlights India’s Success

The latest United Nations report on Child Mortality Reduction shows significant global progress while highlighting India’s success in reducing under-five and neonatal deaths through strong public health measures and low-cost interventions.

Why in the News?

• On March 18, 2026, the United Nations released a report titled Levels and Trends in Child Mortality.
  • This report gives data about how many children die and what are the reasons behind these deaths.
• The report highlighted a serious issue.
  • Around 4.9 million children died before the age of five in 2024.
  • Out of these, about 2.3 million were newborn babies.
• A very important point is that most of these deaths can be prevented.
  • Simple and low-cost healthcare services can save many lives.
• India has shown good progress in reducing child deaths.
  • It is now considered an example for other countries in public health.

What are the Key Highlights?

Global Trends in Child Mortality

• Child deaths have reduced significantly over time.
  • Under-five deaths have fallen by more than 50% since the year 2000.
• However, progress has slowed in recent years.
  • Since 2015, the rate of improvement has reduced by more than 60%.
• Some regions are more affected than others.
  • Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 58% of all under-five deaths.
• This shows inequality in healthcare across the world.
  • Poorer regions face more challenges in saving children’s lives.

India’s Progress in Reducing Child Mortality

• India has made strong progress in improving child health.
• Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) has reduced significantly.
  • NMR means the number of deaths of newborns within the first 28 days per 1,000 live births.
  • It declined from 57 in 1990 to 17 in 2024.
• The Under-five Mortality Rate (U5MR) has also reduced.
  • U5MR means the number of children dying before age five per 1,000 live births.
  • It fell from 127 in 1990 to 27 in 2024.
• This improvement happened due to several steps.
  • The government introduced targeted health programs for mothers and children.
  • Institutional deliveries increased, meaning more births happen in hospitals.
  • Immunisation coverage expanded, protecting children from diseases.

Causes of Child Deaths

• Newborn deaths form a large share of child mortality.
  • Nearly half of all under-five deaths happen in the first month.
• Major causes of newborn deaths include:
  • Preterm birth complications, which occur when babies are born too early.
  • Complications during labour and delivery, such as lack of oxygen.
  • Infections like neonatal sepsis and congenital anomalies.
• After the first month, infectious diseases become major causes.
  • Malaria is the biggest killer among young children.
  • Other diseases include diarrhoea and pneumonia.
• These diseases are mostly preventable and treatable.
  • Clean water, vaccines, and medicines can reduce deaths.

Mortality in Children, Adolescents, and Youth

• Child mortality is not limited to young children.
  • Around 2.1 million deaths occurred among people aged 5 to 24 years.
• Causes of death change with age.
  • Among girls aged 15-19, self-harm is the leading cause.
  • Among boys, road accidents are the main cause.
• This shows new challenges in adolescence.
  • Mental health and safety issues are becoming important.

Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM)

• Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) is a serious condition.
  • It occurs when a child does not get enough nutrition.
• For the first time, direct deaths from SAM were estimated.
  • Over 100,000 children died directly due to SAM in 2024.
• Malnutrition also increases the risk of other diseases.
  • Weak children are more likely to die from infections.
• Some countries are more affected.
  • Pakistan, Somalia, and Sudan have the highest deaths from SAM.

What is the Significance?

Public Health Importance

• The report shows that most child deaths are preventable.
  • Simple measures like vaccination and proper care can save lives.
• Low-cost healthcare is very effective.
  • Skilled birth care and nutrition support reduce mortality.

Economic Impact

• Reducing child mortality helps the economy.
  • Healthy children grow into productive adults.
• It reduces future healthcare costs.
  • Governments spend less on treating diseases later.

India as an Example

• India’s success shows the importance of strong policies.
  • Continuous efforts over time bring results.
• Other countries can learn from India.
  • Countries in South Asia can follow similar strategies.

Focus on Neonatal Care

• Newborns are the most vulnerable group.
  • Special care is needed in the first month of life.
• Better maternal healthcare is essential.
  • Healthy mothers lead to healthy babies.

Global Development Financing

• Funding for child health programs is very important.
  • These programs save lives at a low cost.
• However, funding is under pressure globally.
  • Governments need to prioritise these programs.

What are the Challenges?

High Mortality in Newborns

• Many children die in the first month of life.
  • This period is very critical.
• Preterm birth and delivery complications are major causes.
  • These require better hospital care.

Infectious Diseases

• Diseases like malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhoea still cause many deaths.
  • These are common in poor regions.
• Progress in reducing these diseases has slowed.
  • Especially malaria control has become difficult after 2015.

Malnutrition

• Malnutrition is often hidden and underreported.
  • Many cases are not properly recorded.
• It increases the risk of death from other diseases.
  • Weak children cannot fight infections effectively.

Adolescent and Youth Mortality

• New risks are emerging among older children.
  • Self-harm and accidents are increasing.
• These require different types of interventions.
  • Mental health support and safety measures are needed.

What is the Way Forward?

Strengthen Neonatal and Maternal Healthcare

• More focus should be given to mothers and newborns.
  • Skilled doctors and nurses should assist during childbirth.
• Postnatal care should be improved.
  • Early detection of problems can save lives.

Combat Infectious Diseases

• Vaccination programs should be expanded.
  • Every child should receive basic vaccines.
• Treatment facilities should be improved.
  • Access to medicines should be increased.

Address Malnutrition

• Programs should identify malnutrition early.
  • Early treatment can prevent deaths.
• Mothers should receive proper nutrition.
  • This reduces the risk of low birth weight babies.

Focus on Adolescents

• Special programs should target adolescents.
  • Mental health awareness should be increased.
• Road safety rules should be enforced.
  • This can reduce accidents among youth.

Secure Sustainable Funding

• Governments must invest more in child health.
  • International organisations should also support funding.
• Evidence-based policies should guide spending.
  • This ensures maximum impact with limited resources.

Conclusion

Improving child survival requires a continuous and coordinated effort across all stages of life, from birth to adolescence. A strong focus on healthcare systems, nutrition, education, and social awareness can create a healthier future generation. Countries that invest wisely in children today will build stronger and more stable societies tomorrow.

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