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Global Aid Cuts Threaten Millions of Child Lives, Warns Gates
5 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Child deaths projected to rise for the first time this century.
- Funding cuts could lead to millions of additional child deaths by 2045.
- Gates Foundation pledges $100 billion to combat deadly diseases.
The number of children dying before their fifth birthday is projected to increase for the first time this century, reaching an estimated 4.8 million globally in 2025. This alarming trend is linked to significant declines in global development assistance for health. Bill Gates highlights this reversal as a critical juncture, warning that steep funding cuts could lead to millions of additional child deaths by 2045.
The Gates Foundation is pledging approximately $100 billion to combat lethal diseases and reduce child mortality rates. However, Gates stresses that government support, particularly from wealthy nations, is crucial for success. The report outlines a roadmap prioritizing primary healthcare, doubling down on routine immunizations, and investing in next-generation innovations to protect progress.
Despite budget constraints, the report showcases local leaders and health workers sustaining progress with limited resources. In Nigeria and Kenya, initiatives demonstrate how prioritizing primary healthcare and community-level support can continue to save lives. The message is clear: the world cannot afford to stop at 'almost' eradicating preventable child deaths.
