6-months-old Baraa sits on a traditional stool at his home in Damazine, Blue Nile state. Baraa is recovering from severe acute malnutrition and enrolled on a UNICEF-supported nutrition programme for care and treatment. Two months ago, 6-months-old Baraa was unwell and weak. He was severely malnourished with a mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) reading of 9.5 cm and in the red zone. “I was very sacred that Baraa was going to die. He was so sick and malnourished,” said Manahil, his mother. At a UNICEF-supported hospital in Damazine, Blue Nile state, Baraa was admitted and enrolled on a nutrition programme for care and treatment. He was also provided with the nutritious Ready-to-use-Therapeutic Food (RUTF), a paste rich in minerals and vitamins. Two months later, Baraa has already gained 3 kilograms. “Baraa’s weight and health have improved after eating RUTF. He loves it. When I give it to him the meal, he eats right away,” Manahil continued. Baraa is healthier and happier. “My dream is to see Baraa growing up healthy and becoming a doctor or teacher in future.” As the war in Sudan continues, thousands of children are falling into malnutrition. About 729,000 children under the age of five are severely malnourished. With thanks to support from ECHO, UNICEF is maintaining the supply chain of critical nutrition supplies including RUTF that continues to support the treatment of malnourished children and saving lives. Over 3,000 children have benefited from the nutrition programme in Damazine, Blue Nile. Image Credit: UNICEF
HealthSociety The WorldMore Lives Saved for Children Under 5
The under-five mortality rate (U5MR) has fallen by more than 50% since 2000, proving that decades of investment and concerted efforts have paid off. More than 90 countries have reduced their U5MR by at least two-thirds from 1990 levels.
In 2023, the U5MR was half of what it was in 2000 – it had fallen by 52% to be exact – with a 58% decline in deaths among children aged one to 59 months, and 44% in neonatal deaths, thanks to collaboration by governments, donors, health professionals, communities, and families.
Children have unequal access to healthcare, nutrition, and protection, especially in the most fragile and underserved settings. Therefore, strong national commitment, sustained investments, and robust data systems are crucial for progress. Not all groups have experienced the same overall decline. The decline in the global U5MR shows that not only were millions of children’s lives saved, but also that ending preventable child deaths is an achievable goal. Hence, a more significant investment in targeted interventions is needed during this critical period.
