International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

A reduction in child mortality across the globe in recent years has been welcomed by a charity group.

According to figures from Unicef and the World Health Organization, the number of children dying before the age of five fell to 6.9 million last year.

SOS Children said "this proves there is much to celebrate in child health development", as it is nearly 50 per cent lower than the amount recorded in 1990.

However, the charity said the "outlook for child mortality" still remains uncertain in some parts of the world, such as sub-Saharan Africa.

Indeed, SOS Children stated that this region has the highest number of births per annum, as well as a relatively high neonatal mortality rate.

"The United Nations child agency says there is plenty of unfinished business remaining," said spokeswoman Laurinda Luffman.

She added that about one in nine youngsters living in sub-Saharan Africa are unlikely to live to the age of five unless largely preventable causes of death are addressed.

Posted by Paul Robertson