Global Child Mortality in Children and the Lusaka Agenda

Abstract

There has been a gratifying reduction in global child mortality over the last 2 decades. In 2024, there were 4.9 million childhood deaths in children under 5 years compared with 10.1 million deaths in 2000. This represents a remarkable achievement in a relatively short time span. However, progress has slowed in recent years. The SDGs (sustainable development goals) aim that all countries will have an under 5’s mortality rate below 25 per 1000 live births by 2030 is unlikely to be achieved. The reasons for the slowing in mortality decline include a lack of promotion of strategies and programmes by national governments. Another factor is the reduced allocation for healthcare in national budgets...