PUBLISHED DECISION GUIDE
China's Child Health Progress: Record-Low Mortality Rates in 2025
The National Health Commission reports significant improvements in child health, with infant and under-5 mortality rates reaching record lows.
China has made substantial progress in improving child health during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), with key mortality indicators now among the best in upper-middle-income countries, according to the National Health Commission.
Independently written English guidance based on cited public sources. Every public guide is human reviewed; it is not an official translation of the source publisher.
Key Mortality Rates in 2025
In 2025, China's infant mortality rate dropped to 3.8 per 1,000 live births, and the under-5 mortality rate fell to 5.4 per 1,000 live births, according to Fu Wei, director of the commission's Department of Maternal and Child Health.
These indicators reflect substantial progress in child health during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25).
Expanded Pediatric Services
By the end of 2025, a total of 4,848 secondary and tertiary public general hospitals and 40,000 primary-level medical institutions were able to provide pediatric services, significantly improving access to care for children.
Prevention and Control of Birth Defects and Diseases
Severe birth defects such as neural tube defects and Down syndrome have been effectively controlled, while mother-to-child transmission of diseases has dropped markedly.
Vaccination rates for routine immunizations among eligible children have remained above 90 percent.
Future Plans for the 15th Five-Year Plan Period (2026-30)
Looking ahead, authorities will implement a comprehensive strategy focusing on three key areas: ensuring safe birth, strengthening early childhood development and promoting physical and mental health among children and adolescents.
The strategy includes strengthening the emergency rescue network for pregnant women with severe conditions and for newborns, improving the efficiency of referral and treatment, and making every effort to ensure that every child receives the care they need.
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