A new report by the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) reveals that 4.9 million children died before their fifth birthday in 2024.
While under-five deaths have fallen by over half since 2000, the pace of reduction has slowed by more than 60% since 2015.
For the first time, the report integrates estimates on causes of death, finding that Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) directly caused over 100,000 deaths in 2024.
Disparities remain stark: Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for 58% of all under-five deaths, with malaria remaining the single largest killer in children aged 1–59 months.
The United Nations has condemned the stagnating progress in reducing child mortality, noting that 4.9 million children still die annually before reaching their fifth birthday.
According to the latest report, titled “Level and Trends in Child Mortality,” released on Wednesday, nearly half of these fatalities: 2.3 million occur during the newborn period.
UN agencies warned that the majority of these deaths are preventable through low-cost interventions and improved access to quality healthcare, yet global budget cuts and conflict are hampering survival rates.
The 2024 report marks a milestone by fully assessing leading causes of death.
Notably, it highlights the devastating impact of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), which directly claimed the lives of 5% of children aged 1–59 months.
UN experts noted that the true toll is likely higher, as malnutrition weakens immune systems, making children more susceptible to common diseases like pneumonia and diarrhoea.
Countries such as Pakistan, Somalia, and Sudan recorded some of the highest direct death rates from SAM.
The report further underscores a massive geographical divide.
In sub-Saharan Africa, infectious diseases are responsible for 54% of under-five....
