Sammanfattning
Millennium Development Goal 4 is defined as reducing by two-thirds, between 1990 and 2015, the under-five mortality rate. Approximately 7 million children under five died in 2011. This corresponds to an under-five mortality rate of 51 per 1000 live births, which is a decrease with 40% since 1990. The under-five mortality is falling in most countries in the world, however, not fast enough to fulfil this millennium development goal.
The under-five mortality differs widely between countries and also within countries between different groups. Approximately 83% of the under-five-mortality in 2011 took place in Southern Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa (34% in southern Asia and 49% in Sub-Saharan Africa).
Almost 90% of all child deaths are attributable to just six conditions: neonatal causes, pneumonia, diarrhoea, malaria, measles, and HIV/AIDS. Malnutrition is a contributing factor in one third of these deaths.
We have the knowledge and cost-effective solutions to lower child mortality by two thirds. To succeed, we need continued international cooperation, increased resources, and the political will to place children’s health higher on the political agenda.