Gates Foundation Calls for Urgent Action as Child Mortality Rates Set to Spike for First Time This Century

Increasing Child Mortality: A Call for Action

Recent projections from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation warn of a significant rise in child mortality rates, marking the first increase this century. The foundation's 2025 Goalkeepers Report reveals that the number of children dying before their fifth birthday could increase from 4.6 million in 2024 to approximately 4.8 million in 2025. This alarming trend threatens to reverse decades of progress in child health and survival.
The report highlights the critical challenge posed by severe cuts in global health funding, with assistance plummeting 26.9% below levels seen in 2024. Such drastic reductions have far-reaching consequences, including mounting debt and weakened health infrastructures in many countries, potentially risking advancements made against diseases like malaria, HIV, and polio.

A Point of No Return

Bill Gates describes this juncture as a pivotal moment for global health, warning that continued funding cuts could result in up to 16 million additional child deaths by 2045. “We could be the generation who had access to the most advanced science and innovation in human history—but couldn't get the funding together to ensure it saved lives,” he states.
The report outlines strategies for effective investments in proven health solutions, urging governments and organizations to prioritize interventions with the highest potential to save lives. For instance, investing in strong primary health care systems—at less than $100 per person per year—could prevent up to 90% of child deaths. Furthermore, every dollar spent on vaccines shows a remarkable return of $54 in economic and social benefits. Since 2000, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has successfully delivered lifesaving vaccines to over 1.2 billion children.

Evidence of Impact Through Investment

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria illustrates the successes achievable through sustained investment. Its efforts have contributed to saving 70 million lives, cutting deaths from these diseases by over 60% since 2002. Recent pledges of $11.34 billion to the Global Fund's Eighth Replenishment highlight the international commitment to combatting these health threats, underscoring the dangers of withdrawing support.
In terms of next-generation innovations, investment can drastically alter the landscape of child health. Enhanced vaccines targeting respiratory syncytial virus and pneumonia alone could save 3.4 million lives. Additionally, advancements in malaria prevention tools and long-acting HIV prevention methods could mean the difference between life and death for millions in vulnerable regions.

Voices from the Ground

The report emphasizes the importance of local leadership through essays from health workers and researchers across Africa and Asia. Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, governor of Gombe State in Nigeria, showcases the necessity of prioritizing health and education amidst financial constraints: “You don’t need perfect conditions to make progress. You need clarity, and the courage to stick to it.”
In Kenya, Josephine Barasa exemplifies dedication as a community health worker who continues to provide care despite losing her paid position. Her words reflect resilience: “The support systems may have disappeared, but the need has not. And neither have I.”
Krystal Mwesiga Birungi, an entomologist in Uganda, passionately asserts the urgency of eliminating malaria: “Ending malaria is not only possible, it is urgent.” Dr. Naveen Thacker, a pediatrician in India, accentuates the need for affordability in vaccines to ensure healthy children.

A Unified Call for Action

The Gates Foundation urges governments, philanthropies, and individuals to act urgently based on the findings in the report. This includes safeguarding or expanding funding initiatives and enhancing philanthropic contributions. Bill Gates emphasizes that every child deserves a chance to survive and thrive, regardless of their birthplace.
“We can't stop at almost,” Gates warns. If immediate actions are taken to optimize resources, the world can also witness a future where children's health is ensured and safeguarded. The 2025 Goalkeepers Report serves as a clarion call for securing a healthier future for generations to come.
For more details, access the complete report here.

About the Gates Foundation

The Gates Foundation is dedicated to helping individuals lead healthy and productive lives by providing meaningful solutions tailored for people in developing countries. Located in Seattle, Washington, the foundation, under the guidance of Bill Gates and CEO Mark Suzman, champions equitable access to opportunities, particularly for marginalized communities.

About Goalkeepers

Goalkeepers is the foundation's campaign aimed at accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (Global Goals). Through sharing data and stories, the initiative encourages a new generation of leaders to raise awareness and advocate for necessary actions.