According to new research by the World Bank, approximately 412 million children under age 18 are living in extreme poverty (less than US$3/day) in 2024. While that number is still sobering, it represents a steady decrease from about 507 million in 2014. This shows that global efforts are moving the needle in the right direction.
Regions leading the way
Some of the most encouraging progress is happening in South Asia and East Asia & the Pacific. In South Asia, extreme child poverty has more than halved over the past decade. India, especially, has contributed a large share of that reduction. A UNICEF analysis noted that improvements in education, nutrition, and access to health care have helped drive these gains. In East Asia & the Pacific, rapid economic growth combined with targeted social investments has also lifted millions of children out of poverty.
Where challenges remain sharpest
Despite global improvements, Sub-Saharan Africa continues to carry the heaviest burden: the region is home to over three-quarters of all children in extreme poverty, though it accounts for only about 23% of the global child population. The poverty rate there is around 52 percent, very similar to 2014 levels. Fragile and conflict-affected countries have made slower progress, showing how instability makes it harder to reduce poverty. The Guardian highlighted how the gap between Sub-Saharan Africa and the rest of the world remains stark.
Better data and updated definitions
Another positive development is the improvement in data and measurement. In 2025, the World Bank updated its international poverty lines to include thresholds at US$3, US$4.20, and US$8.30/day, better reflecting the cost of living across countries. The newest estimates also incorporate post-pandemic survey data, offering a clearer, more up-to-date picture of child poverty. As Devex explained, these updates help policymakers better understand where to target resources.
What policies are making a difference
The report shows that countries reducing child poverty most successfully are those investing in human capital—health, education, and nutrition—while also strengthening institutions and expanding social protection. Safety net programs are particularly effective in shielding children from shocks like economic crises or climate disasters. These findings confirm that effective policy choices can make measurable improvements in children’s lives.
Why there is reason for cautious optimism
The decline of nearly 100 million children living in extreme poverty since 2014 is no small achievement. While challenges remain, especially in Africa and fragile states, the overall trends are encouraging. The report demonstrates that poverty reduction is possible even in difficult conditions when governments, communities, and international partners work together. The message is clear: with the right investments and policies, the world can continue to build on this progress and move closer to ending extreme child poverty altogether.
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