What's happened
A new report indicates that global child mortality is projected to increase in 2025 for the first time this century, driven by a 26.9% decline in international health aid. If funding reductions persist, an additional 12 million children could die by 2045, reversing decades of progress.
What's behind the headline?
The reversal in child mortality decline signals a critical failure in global health strategy. Aid cuts, especially from the US, have directly impacted vaccination and primary healthcare programs, which are proven to prevent up to 90% of child deaths. The emphasis on high-impact, cost-effective interventions like vaccines and data-driven health systems remains vital. The global community's focus on short-term budget cuts risks undermining decades of progress, with vulnerable populations bearing the brunt. The situation underscores the importance of sustained investment in health infrastructure and innovative solutions to prevent further reversals. If aid levels are not restored, the projected increase in child deaths will likely accelerate, undoing years of development and threatening future health gains.
What the papers say
The Washington Post highlights that persistent aid cuts could lead to 12 million additional child deaths by 2045, emphasizing the direct link between funding reductions and increased mortality. All Africa's report underscores that the decline in aid, particularly from the US, has already begun to reverse progress, with Gates Foundation's projections confirming a rise in child deaths to 4.8 million in 2025. The Independent and Reuters detail how aid cuts, especially from the US and UK, have disrupted health programs, with Gates warning that these reductions threaten to undo decades of progress. The articles collectively stress that aid cuts are the primary driver of the reversal, with experts warning of severe consequences if funding is not restored.
How we got here
Global progress in reducing child mortality since 2000 has been driven by increased aid, vaccination programs, and health interventions. However, aid cuts beginning in early 2025, notably from the US and other major donors, have strained health systems in low- and middle-income countries, especially in Africa. The decline in funding has led to disruptions in health services and vaccination efforts, risking a reversal of gains made over the past two decades.
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