UNITED NATIONS, United States, March 18, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Progress in reducing child mortality is slowing, the UN said in a report Tuesday, with an estimated 4.9 million children worldwide dying in 2024 before reaching the age of five. "Most of these deaths are preventable with proven, low-cost interventions and access to quality health care," said the joint report by the World Health Organization and UNICEF. The organizations noted that the number of deaths among children under five has fallen by more than half since 2000. Child deaths remain heavily concentrated in a few regions: in 2024, sub-Saharan Africa accounted for 58 percent of all these deaths and South Asia for one-quarter. "Evidence shows that investments in child health remain among the most cost-effective development measures," the report said.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha March 18, 2026 10:00 UTC