In 2019, the world reached a historic milestone in public health: the number of children dying before their fifth birthday fell to 5.2 million, the lowest point ever recorded. This figure represents a monumental achievement, a dramatic drop from the 12.5 million young lives lost in 1990.
But this hard-won progress is now in jeopardy. According to a joint analysis from UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN, and the World Bank Group, the COVID-19 pandemic is causing widespread disruptions to essential child and maternal health services. These interruptions—from routine vaccinations to prenatal care—are putting millions of additional young lives at stake and threaten to reverse decades of progress against preventable child deaths.
This crisis highlights a critical vulnerability in how healthcare is traditionally delivered. When access to clinics and hospitals is compromised, continuity of care breaks down, with the most vulnerable populations suffering the consequences first. It underscores the urgent need for resilient, accessible healthcare systems that can function even under the strain of a global emergency.
At Medicup, we see this as a powerful call to action for digital health. Telehealth platforms provide a vital lifeline, enabling parents and providers to connect for consultations, manage care, and receive guidance without risking exposure or navigating service shutdowns. By bridging the distance between patient and provider, digital tools can ensure that care for mothers and children continues, protecting the incredible gains made over the last 30 years and building a more resilient healthcare future for everyone.
Source: World Health Organization