Major Causes of Death in Children Under Five in Developing Countries and the Contribution of MalnutritionMajor Causes of Death in Children Under Five

The major causes of under-5 mortality include common preventable or treatable diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria, and measles. Malnutrition increases children’s vulnerability to these conditions. 

Note: Percents do not total 100 due to rounding.

SOURCES: Adapted from “WHO estimates of the causes of death in children.” (2005). The Lancet 365:1147–1152.