Reducing Child Mortality in Africa: Data, Causes, and Hope for the Future

The issue of child mortality in Africa remains one of the continent’s most pressing public health challenges. Despite considerable progress in recent decades, millions of African children still do not survive past the age of five. According to the latest UNICEF child survival data Africa, over 2.9 million under-five deaths were recorded in 2022 alone, with the majority occurring in sub-Saharan Africa.

This post uses recent statistics from The State of African Children 2025 compendium to explore the root causes, patterns, and proposed solutions to reducing mortality among Africa’s youngest population. By understanding the landscape, we can better align efforts to ensure every child gets a chance to thrive.

Understanding the Numbers

As of 2022, Africa’s under-five death rate stood at 66 per 1,000 live births — almost double the global average of 38. The highest national figures come from countries like Nigeria, Somalia, and the Central African Republic.

For instance:

• Nigeria recorded 786,000 under-five deaths in 2022, with a median mortality rate of 108 per 1,000.
• Somalia’s under-five mortality rate peaked at 143 per 1,000 live births.
• The Central African Republic exhibited the highest mortality rate at 387 per 1,000.

These figures reflect disparities not just between Africa and the rest of the world but also within African regions themselves. Southern and Northern Africa show significant improvement, whereas Central and Western Africa continue to struggle.

Causes of Child Mortality in Africa

To reduce child mortality in Africa, understanding the leading causes is crucial. According to WHO and UNICEF data, the top contributors include:

1. Neonatal complications (premature birth, birth asphyxia, and infections)
2. Malaria
3. Pneumonia
4. Diarrheal diseases
5. Malnutrition

In many countries, access to preventive and curative health services remains limited, particularly in rural regions. The absence of skilled birth attendants, poor infrastructure, and limited access to clean water further exacerbates the issue.

Regional Disparities

Pediatric health statistics reveal clear regional disparities:

• Northern Africa has one of the lowest child mortality rates, averaging 19 deaths per 1,000 live births.
• Central Africa, by contrast, averages 76 deaths per 1,000, with countries like Chad, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo leading in absolute numbers and rates.
• Eastern Africa, including Ethiopia and Kenya, has shown promising declines due to improved maternal care and vaccine campaigns.

These disparities are tied to varying levels of political stability, healthcare infrastructure, education, and economic development.

Progress and Setbacks

From 1990 to 2022, Africa’s under-five death rate dropped from 193 to 66 per 1,000 live births. This is an undeniable success driven by:

• Increased immunization coverage
• Distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets
• Maternal education programs
• Investments in health infrastructure

Challenges like political conflict, displacement, climate change, and global pandemics continue to jeopardize these gains.

What Is Being Done?

Organizations like UNICEF and WHO are driving targeted interventions across the continent. The Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) and the UNICEF Child Survival Data Africa initiative are helping policymakers identify where and how to intervene most effectively.

Key interventions include:

• Expanding community health worker programs
• Providing vitamin A supplements
• Implementing kangaroo mother care for premature babies
• Promoting exclusive breastfeeding

How You Can Help

Addressing child mortality in Africa isn’t only a government responsibility. NGOs, donors, and individuals can all play a part by:

• Supporting maternal and child health NGOs
• Advocating for increased foreign aid and child health funding
• Educating others about the causes of child mortality in sub-Saharan Africa
• Donating to organizations focused on pediatric health statistics and child survival programs

One effective way to make a direct impact is by contributing to trusted nonprofits that work on the ground. Save the Children is one such organization actively addressing child health in African countries.

Progress has been made, but child mortality in Africa is still alarmingly high. The numbers are more than just data points—they represent millions of children who never got a chance at life and millions of families who grieve that loss.

If trends continue positively and interventions scale equitably, Africa can meet its Sustainable Development Goal targets for child health by 2030. But this future depends on sustained effort, investment, and global attention.

We must collectively demand more from governments and global institutions—and continue pushing forward.