Translated into hard numbers, the death toll of newborns, infants and small children – mainly from preventable causes – shrank from 12.7 million in 1990 to an estimated 5.9 million this year.

The fourth Millennium Development Goal (MDG-4) aimed to reduce mortality – between 1990 and 2015 – among children under five by two-thirds. However, new estimates in the report indicate that although global progress has been substantial, 16,000 children under five still die every day.

“But the far too large number of children still dying from preventable causes before their fifth birthday – and indeed within their first month of life – should impel us to redouble our efforts to do what we know needs to be done”, she said.

The report has also shed light on the stark inequality of life chances for the world’s children. Sub-Saharan Africa had the highest child mortality rate – 1 in 12 children died before age 5 – while higher-income countries averaged 1 in 147.

According to the report, the biggest challenge remains the first 28 days of life, when a massive 45 percent of under-five deaths occur.

Dr. Tim Evans, senior director of health, nutrition and population at the World Bank Group, said in a press release: “Many countries have made extraordinary progress in cutting their child mortality rates”.

It has been clear for some time that MDG4, to cut child mortality by two-thirds, was likely to be missed. Almost half of all under-five deaths are reportedly associated with undernutrition.

“

That we have the necessary means to save these lives provides a moral imperative to implement the efficacious child survival interventions that are now available.”

If this progress accelerates further, an additional 38 million lives could be saved by 2030.

The report said simple, high-impact, cost-effective solutions that contributed to the reduction of under-five deaths include skilled antenatal, delivery and postnatal care; breastfeeding; immunisation; insecticidetreated mosquito nets; improved water and sanitation; antibiotics for pneumonia; and nutritional supplements. At the country level, 62 countries achieved the MDG 4 target. For instance, if Sub-Saharan Africa’s poverty persists as a whole, the deaths of children under five, in that region, are projected to increase by nearly 30 percent in the next 15 years.

Unicef referred to as on continued efforts to scale back the menace from smugglers and different dangers and adequate monetary funding in youngster safety methods, providers and capacities so children are supported by educated baby welfare specialists, with the identical excessive normal of care offered to children throughout all member states.