Rwanda has reduced deaths among children under the age of five by more than 80% over the past 25 years, according to the 2025 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS), reflecting major gains in maternal and child healthcare.
The survey, released by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) in partnership with the Ministry of Health, shows that the under-five mortality rate declined from 196 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2000 to 36 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2025—an overall reduction of 81.6%.
The report charts a consistent downward trend over the past two decades. The mortality rate fell to 152 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2005, dropped by half to 76 in 2010, declined further to 50 in 2014–2015, 45 in 2019–2020, and reached its lowest level yet at 36 in 2025.
While the findings point to significant improvements in child survival, the survey notes that 36 children out of every 1,000 live births still die before reaching their fifth birthday, indicating that further efforts are needed to strengthen maternal, newborn and child health services.
The survey also highlights dramatic progress in access to skilled birth attendance. The proportion of women delivering in health facilities rose from just 25% in 1992 to 98% in 2025.
More than three decades ago, four out of every five women gave birth at home or outside health facilities. Today, nearly all deliveries take place in hospitals or health centres, a shift credited with substantially reducing both maternal and newborn deaths.
According to the report, health facility deliveries increased from 27% in 2000 to 39% in 2005, 69% in 2010, 91% in 2014–2015, 94% in 2019–2020 and 98% in 2025.
With only 2% of births now occurring outside health facilities, the survey underscores Rwanda’s sustained investment in expanding access to quality maternal healthcare as a key driver of improved health outcomes for mothers and children.
