In recent decades, children born in wealthy countries are far less likely to die in early childhood than at any point in modern history—a fact highlighted by a wave of new research but rarely celebrated in global headlines. This profound decline in child mortality is among the most significant public health achievements of our time, yet its story is often overshadowed by other health challenges, leaving many unaware of the progress made and the factors driving these improvements Our World in Data.
For Thai readers, the significance of this news goes beyond distant statistics. Thailand, itself a nation that has made marked gains in child health outcomes over the past half-century, can draw optimism and actionable insights from the experiences of high-income countries. Not only does the trend affirm that ambitious public health goals are achievable, but it also encourages continued investment in health systems, disease prevention, and social support structures to safeguard future generations.
The decline in child mortality in wealthy nations is the result of broad and sustained interventions. Vaccination campaigns, improved prenatal and neonatal care, access to antibiotics, nutrition support, and safer living environments have all contributed. In 1960, for example, countries like the United Kingdom, United States, and Japan had child mortality rates many times higher than today; now, a child’s risk of dying before age five in these societies is at an all-time low. For instance, the United States saw its under-five mortality rate plummet from about 3% in 1960 to just 0.6% in 2019, according to World Bank.
Experts attribute this progress to a mix of medical breakthroughs and broader social change. A leading professor of global health policy at an international university told Our World in Data: “Far fewer children die from infectious diseases because vaccines are now widely available. Where pneumonia and diarrhea once claimed countless lives, effective treatments and prevention have turned the tide.”
Still, disparities persist even within wealthy nations. Socioeconomic inequality, systemic racism, and variable access to care mean that not all children benefit equally from progress. In the context of Thailand, these findings offer both inspiration and a caution: continued vigilance is needed to ensure all children, regardless of background, enjoy life-saving advances.
Thailand has followed a similar pattern to richer countries, though at a different pace and with distinct challenges. According to UNICEF, the country’s under-five mortality rate dropped from 37 per 1,000 live births in 1990 to just 8 per 1,000 by 2020 UNICEF Thailand. Improved access to universal healthcare, the government’s Expanded Programme on Immunization, and international cooperation have all contributed. The success is visible not only in statistics but in the lived realities of Thai families—from rural clinics in Isaan to urban hospitals in Bangkok—showing that progress is possible when government, communities, and the medical sector collaborate.
Cultural shifts also play a role. In Thai society, traditional beliefs once influenced practices surrounding childbirth and early childhood care. Today, greater awareness of evidence-based practices, widespread health messaging, and the integration of public health campaigns into cultural festivals have helped modernize conceptions of child health.
Looking forward, experts warn that challenges remain: the rise of vaccine hesitancy, newly emerging diseases, and the impacts of climate change threaten to reverse hard-won gains if not proactively addressed. For Thailand, tackling issues such as malnutrition in remote areas, gaps in perinatal care, and urban pollution will be crucial to maintaining and extending this positive trend. Strengthening social safety nets—particularly as the country faces population ageing—will ensure continued investment in the youngest members of society.
Practical steps for Thai families and communities begin with embracing preventive healthcare: ensuring vaccination schedules are followed, seeking prenatal care, and advocating for clean air and water. Policymakers must prioritize funding for maternal and child health services, foster cross-sector partnerships, and address inequities within the health system. Journalists and educators can play their part by shifting the public narrative from crisis to celebration, highlighting successes that inspire continued progress.
In an age of uncertainty and global challenges, the steady progress in child survival rates stands as a beacon of what can be achieved through collective action. By recognizing and building upon these successes, Thailand and other nations can envision a future where every child enjoys a strong, healthy start in life.