Global Child Mortality
Rate Shows Sharp
Decline, Says Study The report was
released by the Bill and
Melinda Gates Foundation. It found a drastic
improvement in child mortality
rates almost everywhere in the world. This is due to international
and government efforts to
combat child poverty and disease. 20 years ago, the child mortality
rate was about one out of every sixteen children. This means that nearly
ten million children died
before their fifth birthday. By 2017, that number
was reduced by almost 50%. While encouraging, the report
also revealed severe inequality
in the poorest districts of
the poorest countries. The data could help development
groups and governments to
focus their efforts in areas
with the highest rates. Dean Jamison, Global Health Professor, UCSF,
via 'The New York Times'