Despite significant progress in reducing child mortality and stillbirths since 2000, a new report from the United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) has revealed that millions of children around the world are still at risk due to increasing inequalities and limited access to basic services.
Released on March 24, the report examined global trends in child mortality and highlighted the alarming reality that despite overall improvements, there are still vast disparities in child survival rates between different regions and countries.
According to the report, the number of child deaths has decreased by almost half since 2000, from 9.9 million to 5.2 million in 2019. Stillbirths have also declined from 2.9 million to 2.4 million over the same period. This is undoubtedly a significant achievement and a testament to the efforts of governments, organizations, and individuals who have worked tirelessly to improve the health and well-being of children worldwide.
However, the report also highlights the persisting challenges that prevent millions of children from reaching their fifth birthday. These challenges include unequal access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and sanitation, as well as economic and social inequalities that disproportionately affect the most vulnerable communities.
In many parts of the world, children born into poverty or marginalized communities are more likely to die before their fifth birthday. This is due to a combination of factors, including limited access to quality healthcare, malnutrition, and inadequate sanitation. In some areas, children also face the threat of violence, conflict, and displacement, which can have a severe impact on their health and well-being.
The report further highlights the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on child mortality rates. It is estimated that disruptions to essential health services and the economic fallout from the pandemic could result in an additional 6.7 million child deaths over the next five years. This is a stark reminder that the progress made in reducing child mortality is fragile and can easily be reversed if we do not act quickly and decisively.
The UN IGME report serves as a wake-up call to governments and stakeholders around the world to prioritize the well-being of children and address the underlying causes of inequalities that put them at risk. As UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated, “The new report is a call to action to work harder to end preventable deaths and give every child the best possible chance in life.”
In response to the report, the UN IGME has called for urgent action to address the inequalities that exist in access to basic services. This includes investing in universal healthcare, improving nutrition, and ensuring access to clean water and sanitation. The report also stresses the importance of addressing societal issues such as gender inequality, discrimination, and poverty, which can have a significant impact on child mortality rates.
The good news is that we have the tools and knowledge to make a difference. Vaccines, antibiotics, and other essential medicines have been proven to save lives, and investing in these interventions can have a significant impact on child mortality rates. Furthermore, initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a roadmap for addressing the root causes of inequalities and promoting the health and well-being of children.
The UN IGME report has shed light on the urgent need to address the inequalities that still exist in access to basic services around the world. It serves as a reminder that we must not only celebrate the progress made but also continue to work towards a more equitable world where every child has a chance to survive and thrive.
As we look towards the future, let us remember that the well-being of our children is not just a moral imperative, but also a crucial step towards achieving a more prosperous and sustainable world for all. Let us heed the call to action and work together to ensure that no child is left behind. The lives of millions of children around the world depend on it.
