The main contributors to deaths in children under 5 years of age include a combination of medical conditions, infections, and socio-economic factors:
- Premature birth complications and low birth weight (LBW) are significant causes, with preterm birth increasing the risk of death substantially, especially in the neonatal period (first 28 days) and infancy
- Infections such as pneumonia, diarrhea, sepsis, meningitis, malaria, and neonatal tetanus are major killers, especially in less developed countries. Pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria together cause about one-third of under-five deaths globally
- Birth complications including birth asphyxia and birth injuries also contribute significantly to mortality in newborns
- Congenital abnormalities or birth defects are among the leading causes of death in children under five, accounting for a large proportion of deaths in some studies
- Malnutrition and under-nutrition exacerbate vulnerability to infections and are associated with nearly half of under-five deaths globally, particularly in poorer regions
- Accidents and injuries , including drowning and suffocation, are leading causes of death in children aged 1 to 4 years and older children
- Socioeconomic factors such as low parental education, low family income, inadequate breastfeeding, and lack of timely healthcare access increase mortality risk
- Maternal factors like young maternal age (<20 years) and complications during pregnancy also elevate the risk of child mortality
In summary, deaths in children under 5 are caused by a complex interplay of prematurity, infections, congenital conditions, malnutrition, injuries, and social determinants, with the highest burden in neonatal and early childhood periods. Many of these causes are preventable or treatable with improved healthcare, nutrition, and living conditions
