UN announces: A child loses their life every 6 seconds!

The United Nations (UN) stated that despite a observed decline in under-5 child mortality, a child loses their life every 6 seconds, and reported that the deaths of many children and young people could be prevented if better access to basic healthcare services is provided.

According to the report based on 2022 data from the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME), cases resulting in the death of children under 5 fell to 4.9 million last year, reaching the lowest level on record. Globally, the under-5 child mortality rate has decreased by 51 percent since 2000.

In 2022, in addition to the 4.9 million children under 5, 2.1 million children and young people between the ages of 5 and 24 lost their lives. These deaths were concentrated particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

According to the report, despite the global decline in under-5 child mortality, it was noted that a child loses their life every 6 seconds.

Factors that have a significant impact on reducing child mortality include low-cost interventions such as vaccinations, the presence of skilled health personnel at birth, breastfeeding support, and access to basic healthcare services. It was emphasized that the lives of many children and young people could be saved through the better provision of these services.

The report highlighted the importance of the integrated management of childhood illnesses such as neonatal deaths, acute respiratory infections, diarrhea, and malaria.

However, factors threatening child survival also include inequality, economic instability, prolonged conflicts, climate change, and the effects of Covid-19.

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement, "Where a child is born should not determine whether they live or die. It is critical to improve access to quality healthcare for every woman and child, including in emergencies and hard-to-reach areas."

Juan Pablo Uribe, Global Director for Health, Nutrition and Population at the World Bank, stated that the report marks an important milestone in the reduction of child mortality. Uribe noted, "We must accelerate progress by investing more, collaborating, and focusing on ending preventable child deaths, and we must fulfill our global commitment. We must ensure that all children, regardless of where they are born, have access to the same healthcare services and opportunities."