The trend is worrying both health experts and international organizations.
The increase comes at the same time as several wealthy countries have cut back on aid and support for health care in poorer nations.
A serious turning point
According to figures cited by Bill Gates in a recent blog post, 4.8 million children under the age of five died in 2025. The year before, the figure was 4.6 million.
It is the first time this century that child mortality has risen. According to Gates, the main reason is a decline in support from rich countries to poorer ones.
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Less support, greater risk
Bill Gates warns that the consequences could become far worse.
If health budgets fall by 20 percent, up to 12 million additional children could die by 2045.
He points out that development aid accounts for less than one percent of GDP in most wealthy countries, yet plays a crucial role in vaccinations, childbirth care, nutrition, and the treatment of common illnesses.
Many of the deaths occur in areas where health systems are already weak, including parts of sub-Saharan Africa.
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Progress at risk
Twenty-five years ago, more than 10 million children died each year from diseases that could have been prevented.
That number fell significantly, partly due to new medicines and better access to health care.
But without political will and continued international support, these gains risk being lost, Bill Gates writes.
Sources: Bill Gates’ blog.
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