Neonatal Mortality
SDG Target 3.2
End preventable deaths of newborns, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births.
Global Progress and Projections for Neonatal Mortality
Neonatal deaths per 1,000 live births
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2030 target
Historical average
Better
Reference
Worse
A large proportion (almost half) of under-5 deaths occur during the neonatal period. Globally, premature birth and birth complications (birth asphyxia and birth trauma), pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria remain the leading causes of preventable deaths of children under 5 years old highlighting how vulnerable babies are to shocks and disruptions to health systems. The global estimate for neonatal mortality in 2021 is 17.3 deaths per 1,000 live births, the same as 2020. This trajectory projects 14.3 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2030, not meeting the SDG target.
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Below you can view comparisons of the historical progress for this indicator across any region or country in the world. Drag the slider to see the data from any year, and add up to three other locations to see how they compare to the global progress. Download any chart you create.
Global Progress and Projections for Neonatal Mortality
SDG Target 3.2
End preventable deaths of newborns, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births.
Neonatal deaths per 1,000 live births
Legend
2030 target
Historical average
Better
Reference
Worse
Source: Gates Foundation, 2022 Goalkeepers Report. https://gates.ly/GK22NMR
For more information on data sources: https://gates.ly/GK22DataSources
Historical Progress for Neonatal Mortality
Neonatal deaths per 1,000 live births
Add up to 3 Regions or Countries
Legend
2030 target
Global