Preventable and treatable conditions, such as pneumonia, diarrhea and health problems during the first month of life, are now the leading causes of death under-five, an updated report released by the World Health Organization [WHO] showed.

The WHO said that of the nearly nine million children under the age of five who die every year, around 70 per cent of them die of these health problems.

The WHO report indicated that those in developing nations are more at risk of dying at age five owing to several factors, including lack of medical facilities. It also cited malnutrition as a major factor in over a third of all child deaths.

It also said that child mortality is highest in the neonatal period or during the first 28 days of life.

“Safe childbirth and effective neonatal care are essential to prevent these deaths. About 40 per cent of child deaths under the age of five take place during the neonatal period,’’ the WHO said.

To avoid deaths in children, the WHO recommended that mothers attend antenatal care consultations, get immunized against tetanus and avoid smoking and use of alcohol prior to child birth. (Shianee Mamanglu)