Gates Foundation: Increase in Child Mortality

After years of steady decline, global child deaths are expected to increase, reaching an estimated 4.8 million in 2025, up from 4.6 million in 2024, according to a study commissioned by the Gates Foundation released on Thursday. This figure counts children who die before reaching their fifth birthday.

The Gates Foundation, a major supporter of global health initiatives, funds programs combating HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, and promotes vaccination efforts in low-income countries. The research highlighted that worldwide aid for health initiatives dropped by 26.9% this year compared with the previous year.

Many nations face high debt and fragile healthcare systems, the study found, threatening to reverse decades of progress in reducing child mortality. Millions more young lives could be lost if urgent action is not taken.

Despite financial challenges, the report emphasizes that significant improvements remain possible through strategic allocation of resources. Key recommendations include strengthening basic healthcare services, expanding routine vaccination programs, and using data-driven approaches to target interventions such as malaria prevention where they are needed most.

"Investing in primary health care is currently the most effective strategy," the study states. "A well-functioning primary health system, costing less than $100 per person annually, can prevent up to 90% of child deaths."

Primary care services play a vital role by ensuring safe childbirth, timely treatment of pneumonia, early vaccination, and detection of health threats before they escalate into emergencies.

Author: Natalie Monroe