Global child mortality is set to rise for the first time since 2000 this year, according to Gates Foundation experts. The cause is cuts in aid funding that could lead to around 200,000 additional child deaths. Bill Gates criticizes these decisions and urges governments, especially in Germany, to reconsider.
Researchers commissioned by the Gates Foundation predict a rise in child mortality to about 4.8 million deaths before the fifth birthday this year, compared to 4.6 million in 2024. This would mark the first setback in preventable child deaths this century. The primary reason is cuts in international development aid, which have fallen by 26.9 percent globally in the health sector.
"The main reason for this increase in deaths is that aid funds have been cut, with which mosquito nets and vaccines are bought and mothers and children are provided with food," Bill Gates told the news agency dpa. The US has halted a large portion of its contributions, followed by countries like Germany, France, and the UK, which are also giving less.
Gates, the 70-year-old Microsoft co-founder, warns: "I am of the opinion that governments should not cut these aid budgets, as such cuts will result in the death of millions of people." He praises Germany's past efforts: "Germany can be very proud of the funds provided and the incredible impacts they have had." Nevertheless, the German government plans further reductions; for 2026, the budget draft allocates 9.94 billion euros, 340 million less than this year.
"Ultimately, it is up to the decision-makers whether they make disproportionate cuts in the funds that save the lives of children in the poorest countries in the world. I very much hope that such disproportionate cuts are not made," Gates emphasized. The Gates Foundation is a key player in global health promotion, and Germany ranks among the world's largest donors.