What's Happening?
For the first time in over two decades, child mortality rates for children under five are projected to rise. According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), the number of child deaths is expected to increase from 4.6 million in 2024
to 4.8 million in 2025. This reversal is attributed to significant cuts in foreign aid, which have impacted health spending in low-income countries. The decline in aid has led to reduced access to essential health services, exacerbating the risk of child mortality from preventable diseases and conditions.
Why It's Important?
The projected increase in child mortality is a significant setback for global health progress. It highlights the critical role of foreign aid in supporting health systems in low-income countries. The reduction in aid not only threatens the health of millions of children but also undermines decades of progress in reducing child mortality. This development calls for urgent action from the international community to restore and increase funding for health initiatives. The situation underscores the interconnectedness of global health and the need for sustained investment in health systems to prevent future crises.
