Health · Health & Mortality
Child deaths under five
Children who do not reach their fifth birthday
4,800,000
This year · Example period
What this number is
Deaths of children before their fifth birthday.
One of the most closely tracked health indicators, though still estimated in many countries.
Why it matters
Child mortality is the most sensitive measure of whether a health system works.
How it is produced
Survey and registration data modelled by inter-agency estimation.
Plato's Cave classifies this figure as ESTIMATED. Estimated figures are built from samples and surveys, then scaled up. They carry a margin that is rarely printed alongside the headline.
How to read it carefully
This entry is still showing an example figure while research reaches it. Do not cite the number — use the sources below and the framing above.
Reference period: Example period. Last checked: Placeholder.
Plato's Cave commentary
Health statistics are usually strongest where health systems are strongest, which means the places with the worst outcomes are the places counted least well.
Treat this figure as a floor. Undercounting almost always runs in the same direction.