The Gates Foundation has disclosed that due to persistent global funding cuts, no fewer than 16 million children may die over the next 20 years.

This alarming prediction was featured in the foundation’s 2025 Goalkeepers Report, titled ‘We Can’t Stop at Almost’, which stated that the number of children dying before their fifth birthday is projected to rise for the first time this century.

The report suggested that this projected development is poised to reverse decades of previous global progress. It revealed that in 2024, 4.6 million children died before their fifth birthday, adding that this number is projected to rise by just over 200,000, reaching an estimated 4.8 million in 2025.

The report offered a grave forecast regarding the sustained impact of reduced financing, stating: “If global health funding cuts persist, up to 16 million more children could die by 2045. If global health funding cuts of 20 percent persist, an additional 12 million children could die by 2045. A 30 percent permanent cut would bring that toll to 16 million,” The report also added that in 2025, global development assistance for health fell sharply, marking a 26.9 percent drop below 2024 levels.

Reacting to the report, Gates Foundation Chairman Bill Gates said he would continue to advocate for more funding to help children globally. He stated: “I’ll continue to advocate, however and wherever I can, for increased funding for the health of the world’s children, and for efficiencies that improve our current system. But with millions of lives on the line, we have to do more with less, now,”

Gates added a plea for stronger commitment despite budgetary constraints: “I wish we were in a position to do more with more because it’s what the world’s children deserve. But even in a time of tight budgets, we can make a big difference.” He described this moment as a crucial turning point for global health, adding that the right choices can still save millions of lives.

Gates further expressed concern over the global community’s priorities: “We could be the generation that had access to the most advanced science and innovation in human history, but couldn’t get the funding together to ensure it saved lives. By making the right priorities and commitments, and investing in high-impact solutions, I’m confident we can stop a significant reversal in child deaths and help ensure millions more children are alive in 2045,”

The report emphasized the potential of targeted investments to save millions of young lives. It provided specific data: “For less than $100 per person per year, strong primary health care systems can prevent up to 90% of child deaths. Every $1 spent on vaccines returns $54 in economic and social benefits. Through Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, more than 1.2 billion children have received lifesaving vaccines since 2000,”

The PUNCH reported that following his inauguration, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to immediately pause the country’s foreign aid. This action was taken to ensure the aid is efficient and consistent with U.S. foreign policy under the ‘America First agenda.’

This aid is typically funded by or through the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development. The U.S. government’s decision has led to concern among health experts and stakeholders in Nigeria, who fear that the country’s health sector may be severely impacted.