4.9 million children died globally before turning five in 2024, study estimates
A new study published in The British Medical Journal estimates that 4.9 million children under five died globally in 2024. The report highlights that progress in reducing preventable child mortality has slowed significantly since 2015, with the highest rates of death occurring in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that global efforts to meet sustainable development goals for child survival are falling behind, necessitating urgent policy interventions.
A series of five research papers published in The British Medical Journal estimate that globally, 4.9 million children died before turning five in 2024, including 2.3 million neonatal deaths.
The article reports on scientific findings and UN-affiliated research without political framing or editorializing.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in