UNICEF: Global Under-Five Mortality Rate Shows Dramatic Decline

Global under-five mortality rates have drastically decreased by 61% since 1990. High under-five mortality rates are often found in low-income countries.

According to a UNICEF report, there were 37 under-five deaths per 1,000 live births in 2020. This is a decrease from 43 deaths in 2015.

Regionally, Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest under-five mortality rate, with 74 deaths per 1,000 live births. This is followed by Central and Southern Asia with 37 deaths.

Under-five mortality rates in North Africa and West Asia are recorded at 25 deaths per 1,000 live births. Oceania has an under-five mortality rate of 20.

Generally, premature birth, pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria are the leading causes of under-five mortality. These are often linked to a lack of health awareness and inadequate healthcare facilities. Furthermore, the specific causes of death tend to vary by country.