Millions of children under five died in 2024, with pre-term birth complications and pneumonia as leading causes

An estimated 4.9 million children died before their fifth birthday in 2024, with pre-term birth complications and pneumonia being primary causes. This figure includes 2.3 million neonatal deaths, with the highest mortality rates observed in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, according to a new study. Progress in reducing preventable child deaths has slowed significantly since 2015, with many countries projected to miss global targets.