New Delhi, April 6 (IANS). A recent report by the United Nations (UN) presents a sad picture of infant mortality. It says that the global campaign to reduce neonatal deaths is now slowing down, due to which the lives of millions of children are in danger. This report was released on 17 March 2026.
According to the report, about 23 lakh newborns will die in 2024 (according to an estimate the situation has still not changed). These are those children who are only 28 days old or less. There was a decline in deaths of children under five years of age in the last two decades, but in the case of newborns this decline was not as sharp. This is the reason why the share of newborns in the total child mortality rate is increasing.
Experts believe that reducing neonatal mortality is a complex challenge, as it involves many factors such as quality of health services, timely care and availability of resources. The situation is especially serious in low- and middle-income countries, where health infrastructure is already weak.
The situation is most worrying in African countries, where about 11 lakh newborns lose their lives every year. The major reasons behind deaths include premature birth, delivery complications and infections. Experts say a large number of these deaths can be prevented if proper care is ensured during pregnancy and birth.
The report also said that international funding in the sector has declined over the past few years. Also, due to changes in political priorities in many countries, maternal and child health is not getting that much importance. The COVID-19 pandemic and global economic pressures also placed additional strain on health services, further slowing progress.
According to health experts, there is no need for big and complex measures to save the lives of newborns, rather strengthening basic health services can be the most effective step. This includes safe delivery in the presence of trained health workers, care of the baby immediately after birth and measures to prevent infection.
The report warns that if governments and international organizations do not take immediate concrete steps in this direction, it may be difficult to achieve the global target of reducing infant mortality by 2030.
–IANS
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