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India, Nigeria Lead Global Child Deaths
3 Apr
Summary
- India and Nigeria account for one-third of global under-five deaths.
- Global under-five deaths declined 63% since 1990.
- Many countries may not meet UN child mortality targets.
A recent study published in PLOS One reveals that in 2023, India and Nigeria accounted for approximately one-third of all global deaths among children under the age of five. These two nations reported around 0.64 million and 0.77 million deaths, respectively.
Globally, there has been a substantial reduction in under-five mortality, with deaths falling by 63% from 12.98 million in 1990 to 4.78 million in 2023. The under-five mortality rate has also significantly decreased, dropping from 93.58 to 36.72 deaths per 1,000 live births during the same period.
Despite this progress, the outlook for meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goal target of fewer than 25 deaths per 1,000 live births by 2030 is concerning. Researchers project that 58 countries will not achieve this target. While nine countries, including India, are on track to meet the goal if current decline rates continue, others face longer timelines.
Sub-Saharan Africa and Central and Southern Asia bear a disproportionate burden of under-five deaths. Sub-Saharan Africa's mortality rate remains at 68.82 deaths per 1,000 live births, with projections indicating the SDG target may not be met until 2055. The global average rate is not expected to reach the target until 2035.
