In 2024, 4.9 million children under five died globally, mostly from preventable causes, with progress stalling due to conflict, climate change, and reduced health aid.

In 2024, around 4.9 million children under five died globally, according to a UN report, with progress in reducing child mortality stalling despite a more than 50% decline since 2000. Most deaths were preventable, driven by preterm birth complications, infections like malaria and pneumonia, and malnutrition, with newborns accounting for nearly half. The slowdown since 2015 is linked to conflict, climate change, economic instability, and weakened health systems. A nearly 27% drop in global health aid in 2025 threatens to reverse gains, disrupt data collection, and close health facilities, endangering child survival efforts.