This marks a major setback after decades of steady progress in global child health.
According to the report, an estimated 4.6 million children under five died in 2024.
The figure is projected to grow by more than 200,000 in 2025, pushing the total to about 4.8 million.
The report notes that this reversal comes at a time when global health systems are facing severe strain.
Many countries are struggling with high national debts, weakened healthcare services, and a sharp drop in international support.
Global health funding, which has long been a lifeline for low-income communities, fell by nearly 27% this year.
The decrease has created gaps in essential services such as vaccinations, maternal care, nutrition support, and disease prevention programs.
These shortages are hitting vulnerable regions hardest, especially areas that rely on community health workers to reach families in remote or underserved locations.
Despite these challenges, frontline health workers remain determined to protect children and mothers.
One of them is Josephine Barasa, a community health worker who has continued her work even after funding cuts affected operations on the ground.
She spoke about her resolve, saying, “They could take away the money, but they couldn’t take me away from my women. The support systems may have disappeared, but the need has not.”
Her words reflect the deep commitment shared by many health workers who keep serving despite limited resources.
The report stresses that without urgent action, gains made over several decades could be lost.
It calls on governments, donors, and global partners to restore funding, strengthen local health systems, and support workers who provide direct services to families.
It also warns that failing to invest in child health now will lead to higher long-term costs, both human and economic.