November 20, 2025 – UNICEF published a report that examines child poverty and includes an analysis of data from 130 low and middle-income countries across six categories: education, health, housing, nutrition, sanitation, and water. The analysis shows that 118 million children experience deprivation in three or more areas, and 17 million face deprivation in four or more areas.
The report shows that the highest rates of multidimensional poverty are among children in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. It also indicates that sanitation is the most widespread severe deprivation.
The report calls on all governments to end child poverty and argues that it is achievable by taking the following actions:
- Making ending child a national priority.
- Integrating children’s needs into economic policies and budgets.
- Providing social protection programs, including cash support to families.
- Expanding access to essential public services such as education, healthcare, water, sanitation, nutrition, and housing.
- Promoting decent work for parents and caregivers to strengthen their economic security, which is closely linked to children’s progress.
The full report as well as an executive summary is available in English, French, Spanish, and Arabic.