The Gates Foundation’s 2025 Goalkeepers Report warns that the number of children dying before their fifth birthday is set to rise for the first time in 25 years, reversing decades of progress.
According to the report, 4.6 million children under five lost their lives worldwide in 2024, and this number is projected to increase by more than 200,000 in 2025, reaching around 4.8 million.
The increase comes amid sharp cuts in global health funding, which fell nearly 27% this year, alongside mounting national debts and fragile health systems.
However, community health workers like Josephine Barasa have vowed to continue providing essential care and education despite funding challenges.
“They could take away the money, but they couldn’t take me away from my women,the support systems may have disappeared, but the need has not,” she reported. This demonstrated the people's dedication to maintaining child health despite limited resources.
The report also warned that if these funding shortfalls persist, up to 16 million additional children could die by 2045.
Bill Gates referred to the current moment as a critical turning point. He also noted that with the right priorities and investments now, the world can avoid a major reversal in child survival and ensure millions more children are alive by 2045.
The report highlights cost-effective interventions, including strong primary health care, vaccines, and next-generation innovations, as tools that can save millions of young lives.
Experts also warn that reversing these gains is not just a tragedy for children, but also a threat to broader social and economic progress. With millions of young lives at risk, global collaboration and leadership are needed to ensure that Kenya and other countries maintain momentum in improving child survival.
The Gates Foundation calls on governments, philanthropies, and citizens to act urgently by safeguarding or expanding health funding and supporting innovations.
The report warns that without urgent action, the progress made over the past 25 years could be undone, putting the most vulnerable children at risk. Continued dedication, innovative approaches, and strong local leadership are crucial to prevent this crisis and give the next generation of children the chance to survive and thrive.
