New Delhi, India — A recent UNICEF report reveals significant progress in reducing the mortality rate for children under the age of 5 in Southern Asia by 72% over the past thirty years. While this decline is a commendable achievement, millions of children in the region continue to lose their lives to preventable causes.
According to the United Nations Children’s Fund, the success in preventing these deaths can be attributed to investments in trained healthcare workers and advancements in newborn care. The report emphasizes the positive impact of providing proper treatment for childhood illnesses and widespread access to vaccinations.
Despite these advancements, UNICEF stresses that more must be done to address the persisting issue of child mortality in the region. In 2022, Southern Asia accounted for one-third of global newborn deaths, with one in twenty-nine children under the age of 5 still succumbing to preventable causes, making it the region with the second-highest mortality rates after sub-Saharan Africa.
The report highlights that progress in reducing child mortality rates varies among countries in Southern Asia, with particular urgency identified in Pakistan and Afghanistan. UNICEF is calling on governments in the region to prioritize simple yet effective solutions, including ensuring trained attendants at births and improving access to clean water.
Without immediate action, the UN warns that an estimated eight million children in Southern Asia could lose their lives between now and 2030. This pressing issue underscores the need for sustained investments and coordinated efforts to further reduce child mortality rates and ensure a healthier future for the region’s children.
In conclusion, while progress has been made in reducing child mortality rates in Southern Asia, the fight against preventable deaths in the region is far from over. Continued collaboration between governments, organizations, and communities is essential to build on these gains and safeguard the well-being of the most vulnerable members of society.