Global Health Observatory (GHO) data

Causes of child mortality

Causes of child mortality, 2016

The leading causes of death among children under five in 2016 were preterm birth complications, acute respiratory infections, intrapartum-related complications, congenital anomalies and diarrhea. Neonatal deaths accounted for 46% of under-five deaths in 2016.

Ending preventable child deaths can be achieved by providing immediate and exclusive breastfeeding, improving access to skilled health professionals for antenatal, birth, and postnatal care, improving access to nutrition and micronutrients, promoting knowledge of danger signs among family members, improving access to water, sanitation, and hygiene and providing immunizations. Many of these lifesaving interventions are beyond the reach of the world’s poorest communities.