Child health remains a defining indicator of public health performance. While global child mortality has declined significantly in recent decades, preventable deaths from infectious disease, malnutrition, neonatal conditions, and inadequate healthcare access persist in many regions.

This chapter explores under-five mortality, neonatal survival, vaccination, acute respiratory infections, diarrhoeal disease, malaria, HIV exposure, nutrition, and developmental health. It also examines health system strengthening, governance, and integrated child health strategies.

Childhood is framed not only as a vulnerable period, but as a foundational stage in the life course. Early exposures shape lifelong trajectories of health, cognition, and social participation.

Public health investment in children yields generational dividends - biologically, socially, and economically.

Key Takeaways

* Under-five mortality remains a critical global health indicator.

* Neonatal conditions, infections, and malnutrition are leading contributors to child mortality.

* Vaccination and integrated child health programmes significantly reduce preventable deaths.

* Early nutrition and development influence long-term life course health.

* Health system strengthening is essential to sustaining child health gains.

* Child rights and equity are central to population health improvement.

* Investments in early life produce long-term societal benefits.

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