Global Trends in Child Poverty Reduction<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nCurrently, about 4 in 10 children in low- and middle-income countries experience multidimensional poverty, meaning that they are severely deprived of at least one of: education, health, housing, nutrition, sanitation or water. There is a silver lining: since 2000, multidimensional child poverty has been modeled to have decreased by about one-third, with middle-income countries making the fastest strides. Progress, however, has been much slower in low-income countries. Improvements in children\u2019s access to education, nutrition, water and sanitation have driven these reductions, though progress varies significantly between countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, the number of children living in monetary poverty has declined in several countries. However, progress has largely stalled in many low-income countries post-2020, with minimal reductions in sub-Saharan Africa and even an increase in the Middle East and North Africa. Overall, reductions in multidimensional child poverty lagged behind monetary poverty reduction, highlighting the urgent need for public policies that reach the poorest, including investments in social services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rate of multidimensional child poverty reduction by income grouping<\/h5>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/data.unicef.org\/data-for-action\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/05\/Poverty-blog-post_Fig-1.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDespite these challenges, progress is possible. Our modelling indicates that twenty countries have successfully halved their multidimensional child poverty rate since 2000, demonstrating that meaningful change is possible given the right approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Four key insights from successful countries:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
1. Economic growth should benefit everyone and reach children and their families in poverty<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nEconomic growth must benefit everyone and reach poorer populations including children and their families living in poverty. Bangladesh provides a compelling example. It\u2019s economic growth, driven by agricultural modernization, remittances, and women’s employment, has significantly reduced monetary poverty among adults and their children. Similarly, Indonesia’s sustained GDP growth and investments in productive sectors have contributed to reductions in both monetary and multidimensional child poverty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Inclusive social protection works<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nInclusive social protection programmes, such as cash transfers for families with children, are essential policy tools for tackling child poverty and building resilience against shocks. In Peru, the JUNTOS cash transfer programme has led to significant improvements in children\u2019s education, nutrition and cognitive outcomes. These efforts to reduce child poverty have been supported by substantial investments in key social sectors. Similarly, Poland has achieved notable reductions in child poverty through significant public spending on family benefits and child-friendly social protection programmes. The Family 500+ programme, which provides monthly payments to families with children, has been particularly effective in reducing child poverty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Sustained prioritization and investment in social sectors are crucial<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nConsistent and sustainable investments in education, health, housing, nutrition, sanitation and water are vital for addressing multidimensional poverty. Cambodia’s investments in rural water and sanitation and social protection programmes, have led to notable declines in multidimensional child poverty. The country’s National Strategy for Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene has been instrumental in improving living conditions for children. Senegal\u2019s universal health coverage initiative has benefited children through free consultations, immunizations and access to health services. In addition, the country also adopted a strategy to improve education outcomes with a focus on preschool, girls\u2019 education, bridging classes for out-of-school children, and integrating daaras<\/em> (traditional Islamic schools) into the formal education system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n4<\/strong>. Efforts to improve services for children should be better integrated<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nCoordinating efforts across multiple sectors amplifies their impact. Tanzania\u2019s National Multisectoral Nutrition Action Plan (NMNAP) 2016\u20132021 combined efforts across agriculture, health, and social protection, significantly improving child nutrition. Community engagement further enhances the success of these efforts. Bangladesh’s work with NGOs and community workers has increased vaccination coverage, increased contraceptive use and lowered under-five mortality rates. In addition to these strategies, policies and legislation, it is essential to tackle discrimination based on gender, ability, religion, language, migratory status and promote inclusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The way forward<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Ending child poverty is a policy choice, and the experiences of Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Peru, Poland, Senegal, and Tanzania demonstrate that significant progress can be made with the right political will, investments and comprehensive policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We also know that ending child poverty requires stable financing. However, recent cuts in Official Development Assistance (ODA) and aid put progress at risk. We should be heading in the opposite direction – expanding international support and strengthening national systems to protect and increase investments in children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We stand at a pivotal moment in history. It\u2019s time to turn evidence into action and prioritize investments in children and their families living in poverty. This will accelerate progress across multiple SDG goals and ensure no child lives in poverty. By learning from these successful examples, countries worlwide can implement effective strategies to reduce child poverty and improve the lives of millions of children worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDespite these challenges, progress is possible. Our modelling indicates that twenty countries have successfully halved their multidimensional child poverty rate since 2000, demonstrating that meaningful change is possible given the right approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Four key insights from successful countries:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
1. Economic growth should benefit everyone and reach children and their families in poverty<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Economic growth must benefit everyone and reach poorer populations including children and their families living in poverty. Bangladesh provides a compelling example. It\u2019s economic growth, driven by agricultural modernization, remittances, and women’s employment, has significantly reduced monetary poverty among adults and their children. Similarly, Indonesia’s sustained GDP growth and investments in productive sectors have contributed to reductions in both monetary and multidimensional child poverty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Inclusive social protection works<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Inclusive social protection programmes, such as cash transfers for families with children, are essential policy tools for tackling child poverty and building resilience against shocks. In Peru, the JUNTOS cash transfer programme has led to significant improvements in children\u2019s education, nutrition and cognitive outcomes. These efforts to reduce child poverty have been supported by substantial investments in key social sectors. Similarly, Poland has achieved notable reductions in child poverty through significant public spending on family benefits and child-friendly social protection programmes. The Family 500+ programme, which provides monthly payments to families with children, has been particularly effective in reducing child poverty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Sustained prioritization and investment in social sectors are crucial<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Consistent and sustainable investments in education, health, housing, nutrition, sanitation and water are vital for addressing multidimensional poverty. Cambodia’s investments in rural water and sanitation and social protection programmes, have led to notable declines in multidimensional child poverty. The country’s National Strategy for Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene has been instrumental in improving living conditions for children. Senegal\u2019s universal health coverage initiative has benefited children through free consultations, immunizations and access to health services. In addition, the country also adopted a strategy to improve education outcomes with a focus on preschool, girls\u2019 education, bridging classes for out-of-school children, and integrating daaras<\/em> (traditional Islamic schools) into the formal education system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4<\/strong>. Efforts to improve services for children should be better integrated<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Coordinating efforts across multiple sectors amplifies their impact. Tanzania\u2019s National Multisectoral Nutrition Action Plan (NMNAP) 2016\u20132021 combined efforts across agriculture, health, and social protection, significantly improving child nutrition. Community engagement further enhances the success of these efforts. Bangladesh’s work with NGOs and community workers has increased vaccination coverage, increased contraceptive use and lowered under-five mortality rates. In addition to these strategies, policies and legislation, it is essential to tackle discrimination based on gender, ability, religion, language, migratory status and promote inclusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ending child poverty is a policy choice, and the experiences of Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Peru, Poland, Senegal, and Tanzania demonstrate that significant progress can be made with the right political will, investments and comprehensive policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We also know that ending child poverty requires stable financing. However, recent cuts in Official Development Assistance (ODA) and aid put progress at risk. We should be heading in the opposite direction – expanding international support and strengthening national systems to protect and increase investments in children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We stand at a pivotal moment in history. It\u2019s time to turn evidence into action and prioritize investments in children and their families living in poverty. This will accelerate progress across multiple SDG goals and ensure no child lives in poverty. By learning from these successful examples, countries worlwide can implement effective strategies to reduce child poverty and improve the lives of millions of children worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe way forward<\/h4>\n\n\n\n