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Under-5 Deaths Linked to Growth Failure Top 1 Million Worldwide
4 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Over one million children under five died globally in 2023 due to growth failure.
- India reported over 100,000 such child deaths, with Nigeria having the highest toll.
- Child growth failure increases risks for infections, malaria, and other severe diseases.

Globally, approximately one million children under the age of five succumbed in 2023 due to factors affecting growth, such as being underweight, stunted, or wasted. India alone registered over 100,000 such fatalities. Nigeria reported the highest number of under-five deaths linked to 'child growth failure,' with the Democratic Republic of Congo also experiencing a significant toll.




