in 200 words write on Child mortality
Child mortality refers to the death of children under the age of five and is a critical indicator of a nation’s health and development status. Despite significant progress in recent decades, millions of children still die each year due to preventable causes. As of 2021, the global under-five mortality rate stood at approximately 13.7 million deaths annually, with common causes including pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria, and malnutrition.
The factors contributing to child mortality are multifaceted, encompassing poverty, lack of access to healthcare, inadequate nutrition, and insufficient education for mothers. In regions such as sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, the rates are particularly high due to systemic issues like conflict, lack of sanitation, and high prevalence of infectious diseases.
Efforts to reduce child mortality focus on improving healthcare access, promoting vaccinations, enhancing maternal health, and ensuring clean water and sanitation. Global initiatives like the Sustainable Development Goals aim to end preventable child deaths by 2030. Reducing child mortality not only saves lives but also fosters healthier communities and paves the way for sustainable development, making it a priority for governments and organizations worldwide. Addressing the root causes is essential for achieving lasting change.