PUBLISHED DECISION GUIDE
China Reports Record-Low Child Mortality Rates in 2025
National Health Commission announces significant improvements in child health, with infant and under-5 mortality rates reaching historic lows.
China has achieved record-low child mortality rates in 2025, according to the National Health Commission, marking substantial progress in child health during the 14th Five-Year Plan period.
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 Findings
The National Health Commission reported on Monday that China's infant mortality rate dropped to 3.8 per 1,000 live births in 2025, 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 now rank among the best in upper-middle-income countries.
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.
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.
- Infant mortality rate: 3.8 per 1,000 live births
- Under-5 mortality rate: 5.4 per 1,000 live births
- Pediatric services available at 4,848 secondary and tertiary public general hospitals and 40,000 primary-level institutions
Future Plans
Looking ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), Fu Wei said 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 will also strengthen the emergency rescue network for pregnant women with severe conditions and for newborns, improve the efficiency of referral and treatment, and make every effort to ensure that every child comes into this world healthy.
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