The United States ranks near the bottom in child health among high-income, OECD nations, placing 36th out of 38 developed countries in a 2020 UNICEF report on child well-being. It has the highest child mortality rate among wealthy nations, driven by high rates of infant mortality, gun violence, and motor vehicle accidents.
The world's top three healthiest countries to raise a child
Globally, infectious diseases like pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria, alongside preterm birth complications, are the leading killers of children under five, with malnutrition significantly contributing to nearly half of these deaths. However, in the U.S., firearms became the leading cause of death for children and teens (ages 1-19) in 2020, surpassing motor vehicle accidents, highlighting different causes depending on age and location.
Countries with the highest child mortality rates worldwide 2023. All countries of the 20 countries worldwide with the highest number of children under the age of five dying per 1,000 live births were found in Sub-Saharan Africa, with Niger, Nigeria, and Somalia topping the list.
And today children in the U.S. have 80 percent higher death rates than children in other countries, both babies as well as children ages 1 to 19.
Many people find it hard to believe the U.S. performs poorly on most measures of health compared to other high-income countries. But the truth is, study after study supports the same two conclusions: The U.S. spends more on health care but has worse health outcomes than comparable countries around the globe.
The United States is the world's richest country by a wide margin. It's a global hub for finance, tech, energy, and entertainment. From Silicon Valley to Wall Street, American firms shape worldwide trends. The country benefits from vast natural resources, advanced infrastructure, and a culture of innovation.
A new study finds that from 2007 to 2023, children in the U.S. were 80% more likely to die from ages 1 to 19 than their peers in other high-income countries.
The 5-2-1-0 rule is a simple guideline for kids' healthy habits: 5 or more servings of fruits & veggies; 2 hours or less of screen time; 1 hour or more of physical activity; 0 sugary drinks (like soda, sports drinks, or most fruit juices). It's an easy-to-remember way to promote good nutrition, activity, and reduce screen-related health risks like obesity, focusing on water as the main drink.
Infant mortality
At 5.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, the U.S. ranked No. 33 of the 38 OECD countries, falling between the Slovak Republic (4.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, No. 32) and Chile (5.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, No. 34).
SIDS Deaths by State
Sudden unexplained infant deaths statistics vary state by state, with the lowest rates in Massachusetts, Vermont, and California, and the highest in Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas.
In 2020, the state of Madhya Pradesh, with 47 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, recorded the highest rural infant mortality rate in India. Other regions with high mortality rates included Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh.
According to the Global Peace Index and Legatum Prosperity Index, Iceland, Portugal, Denmark, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Canada consistently rank among the safest countries in terms of safety, offering peace of mind for raising children.
Globally, the leading causes of death for children under five are preventable issues like preterm birth complications, birth asphyxia, pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria, with malnutrition significantly increasing risk for these infectious diseases. While specific rankings vary slightly by year and source, infectious diseases and neonatal issues consistently top the list, causing millions of preventable deaths annually, especially in lower-income countries.
"Child mortality rates can see significant shifts based on several factors. "While life expectancy has increased for children throughout the decades, a higher incidence of firearm and drug-related deaths for children can cause the overall mortality rate to climb despite years of historic decline.