Three countries achieve major reductions in child mortality

Children in North Macedonia, Kosovo and Belarus are more likely to survive and thrive after sustained investment in maternal, newborn and primary healthcare dramatically reduced child mortality rates.

“The results speak for themselves,” the report states, highlighting how long-term investment in evidence-based healthcare has improved survival for thousands of children.

North Macedonia reduced its under-five mortality rate by nearly 75%, from 11.1 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2015 to 2.8 in 2024, while neonatal mortality fell from 8.1 to 1.1 per 1,000 live births. Kosovo cut neonatal mortality by 36% and under-five mortality by 39% after expanding its nationwide Home Visiting Programme, which now reaches around 80% of newborns each year. Belarus, already a regional leader, halved neonatal mortality to 0.7 per 1,000 live births and reduced under-five mortality by 43% to 2.3 per 1,000 through sustained investment in free, high-quality maternal and child healthcare. The progress demonstrates how consistent, evidence-based policies can save young lives and strengthen health systems over the long term.