A new Gates Foundation report warns that global child mortality is set to rise for the first time this century, driven largely by deep cuts in foreign aid from high-income nations.
The foundation projects 4.8 million deaths of children under age 5 in 2025, about 200,000 more than last year.
CEO Mark Suzman said the reversal is “100% avoidable,” blaming sweeping reductions in development assistance from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and others.
For decades, the world has made incredible progress in improving children’s health. But that progress is reversing.
— Gates Foundation (@gatesfoundation) December 4, 2025
Our 2025 Goalkeepers Report shares what it takes to save millions of children’s lives—and why we can’t stop at almost. ➡️ https://t.co/xvUQxyDUlL#Goalkeepers2030 pic.twitter.com/PRftFPxwuZ
Steep U.S. cuts under the Trump administration have had an outsized impact, as low-income countries struggle with fragile health systems and rising debt.
The report warns that continued 20% reductions could result in 12 million additional child deaths by 2045.
Humanity is at a crossroads, and for the first time this century, child deaths are set to rise.
— Gates Foundation India (@BMGFIndia) December 4, 2025
Cuts to global health funding could mean up to 16 million more children lost to preventable causes by 2045.
We’ve come too far and can’t stop at almost.
Read the Goalkeepers 2030… pic.twitter.com/dqudJQuv1s
The foundation says the most cost-effective fixes remain routine immunizations and stronger primary health care, which can prevent up to 90% of child deaths.
But major funders, including the U.S., have pulled support from Gavi and other key global health programs.
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TIPP Staff
