Data and statistics
Reducing child mortality to achieve MDG 4
Overall, substantial progress has been made towards achieving MDG 4. The number of under-five deaths worldwide has declined from 12.6 (12.4, 12.9) million in 1990 to 6.6 (6.3, 7.0) million in 2012. This translates into 17 000 fewer children dying every day in 2012 than in 1990.
Global Health Observatory
WHO's portal providing access to data and analyses for monitoring the global health situation
fact buffet
Mortality
6.6 millionchildren under age five died in 2012,
nearly 18 000 every day.
Causes of death
58%of deaths in children under age five are caused by infectious diseases. Pneumonia is the largest single cause of death in under-fives.
Causes of under-five mortalityPreventing under-five deaths
78%of children with suspected pneumonia are taken for treatment to an appropriate care provider.
Care seeking for pneumonia