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Digital nomad visas: Redefining the workation

Following an announcement made in May, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) is set to launch its new digital nomad visa program in 2024.

Digital nomad visas give individuals the right to live and work remotely outside their home country. With such a visa, individuals will be allowed to reside in a foreign country while being employed elsewhere.

Currently, over 50 countries offer similar remote work visas to attract remote workers and freelancers. While not all countries have specific visas tailored for remote workers, some offer options that can accommodate them. Thailand, for instance, has the Thailand Elite Visa for extended stays, which is not explicitly designed for digital nomads. Indonesia’s Social Budaya Visa is geared towards cultural or educational purposes, while Malaysia’s MM2H Program is for long-term stays. Taiwan’s Gold Card Visa targets skilled professionals but can facilitate remote work arrangements. The Working Holiday Visa of Japan and the H-1 Visa of South Korea may be utilized by remote workers under certain conditions.

While the landscape for digital nomad visas in Asia is still evolving, these options reflect a growing recognition of the needs of remote workers in the region.

DIGITAL NOMAD VISA IN THE PHILIPPINES
The Philippines’ digital nomad visa reflects the global shift towards remote work and responds to the increasing demand for flexible work arrangements. The program not only caters to the changing needs of professionals but also positions the country as an attractive destination for a global workforce seeking a balance between work and lifestyle. By offering a visa tailored to remote workers, the Philippines aims to provide skilled professionals with a unique opportunity to live and work in a tropical paradise while contributing to the local economy.

ECONOMIC IMPACT AND INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIREMENTS
As digital nomads establish virtual workspaces in the Philippines, they bring much more than their professional skills and experiences. These individuals contribute significantly to the economy, stimulating revenue generation through their spending habits, particularly on accommodation, food, transportation and entertainment services. Their presence fuels tourism when they engage in leisure activities such as exploring cultural sites and local attractions. They may also choose to invest in real estate and other business opportunities.

The increasing presence of digital nomads can also serve as a catalyst for innovation, encouraging knowledge exchange, and providing a substantial boost to local businesses and service providers.

However, the success of the digital nomad visa is contingent on effective implementation and the provision of essential infrastructure. Reliable high-speed internet, a cornerstone of remote work, must be readily available across the country. While urban areas, especially in Metro Manila, generally enjoy relatively reliable high-speed internet, rural and remote areas often suffer from slow internet speeds, frequent service interruptions and other challenges with connectivity. Apart from stable internet connections, conducive and safe co-working spaces and facilities that cater to the specific needs of digital nomads would further enhance the attractiveness of the Philippines as a remote work destination.

VISA APPLICATION PROCESS
Compared to that of traditional work visas, the application for a digital nomad visa is generally streamlined, making it more accessible to remote workers. The requirements typically include proof of employment, a valid passport, health insurance, a clean criminal record, and proof of income to demonstrate the applicant’s ability to sustain himself financially while staying in the country. Qualified applicants will be granted a 12-month stay, which can be extended for another 12 months. Visa holders are also exempted from local income tax and are only required to pay income tax in their home country.

CREATING A CONDUCIVE ECOSYSTEM FOR REMOTE WORK
The visa program should be more than a mere bureaucratic procedure. It should foster an environment that genuinely supports remote work. This requires collaboration between the public and private sectors not only in addressing the essential infrastructural needs but also in actively cultivating a dynamic digital nomad community. This can involve creating networking events, workshops and educational programs tailored to the remote workers’ upskilling. Additionally, streamlining visa processes and offering long-term visa options for remote workers can attract more talent from overseas. By providing clear pathways for remote workers to relocate, the government can encourage the influx of skilled professionals and enrich the local economy.

The Philippines needs to actively position itself as a premier destination for remote work, leveraging its unique selling points — affordability, English proficiency, and a favorable climate. Cultural integration can further enhance the digital nomad experience. Beyond professional pursuits, the country offers a rich cultural heritage, diverse cuisine, and stunning landscapes.

For digital nomads, the Philippines presents a tantalizing mix of urban sophistication and natural wonders. From the bustling energy of Manila to the pristine beaches of Palawan, there’s something to suit all preferences. The digital nomad visa program offers not only the chance to experience the Philippines but also serves as a gateway to explore the broader Southeast Asian region.

The views or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Isla Lipana & Co. The content is for general information purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for specific advice.

 

Irene To is an assistant manager of Markets at PricewaterhouseCoopers Business Services Philippines Co., Ltd., a Philippine member firm of the PwC network.

irene.l.to@pwc.com

PSEi climbs to 6,900 level, tracks US shares’ rise

REUTERS

THE MAIN INDEX climbed to the 6,900 level anew on Wednesday as the market tracked the strong performance of US shares.

The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) rose by 1.24% or 85.92 points to close at 6,965.51, while the broader all shares index climbed by 0.94% or 33.89 points to 3,614.20.

“The local bourse jumped…, mirroring the performance of the US markets overnight. Investor sentiment was boosted by the latest US inflation print which came in within expectation, raising hopes that the Federal Reserve would soon decide to ease monetary policy,” Philstocks Financial, Inc. Research Analyst Claire T. Alviar said in a Viber message.

US stocks ended sharply higher on Tuesday, with the S&P 500 registering a record-high close as Oracle shares surged and consumer price data failed to dampen investors’ hopes of interest rate cuts in the coming months, Reuters reported.

The Labor department reported that the consumer price index (CPI) rose 0.4% last month after climbing 0.3% in January.

In the 12 months through February, the CPI increased by 3.2%, just above the 3.1% estimate, after advancing 3.1% through January.

Traders now see a 70% chance of the first rate cut coming in June, the CME FedWatch Tool showed, versus 71% ahead of the inflation report.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 235.83 points or 0.61% to 39,005.49. The S&P 500 gained 57.33 points or 1.12% at 5,175.27, and the Nasdaq Composite added 246.36 points or 1.54% at 16,265.64.

“At home, the anticipation of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve this year added to optimism, as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) may likely follow suit. But of course, the inflation rate in the country would have a more significant influence on the BSP’s decision,” Ms. Alviar added.

Regina Capital Development Corp. Head of Sales Luis A. Limlingan said in a Viber message that the local bourse improved on bargain hunting ahead of the upcoming FTSE rebalancing on Friday.

All market’s sectoral indices ended higher on Wednesday. Property climbed by 2.02% or 56.22 points to 2,826,77; financials gained 1.74% or 34.82 points to end at 2,030.87; services increased by 0.9% or 16.50 points to 1,847.52; holding firms went up by 0.81% or 53.46 points to 6,652.41; industrials rose by 0.51% or 46.80 points to 9,070.93; and mining and oil added 0.29% or 24.52 points to close at 8,348.59.

“Among the index members, Ayala Land, Inc. was at the top, climbing by 4.33% while Wilcon Depot, Inc. lost the most by 4.76%,” Ms. Alviar said.

Value turnover rose to P6.51 billion on Wednesday with 702.86 million issues changing hands from the P5.53 billion with 945.76 million shares traded on Tuesday.

Advancers beat decliners, 119 versus 71, while 52 names closed unchanged.

Net foreign buying rose to P506.95 million on Wednesday from P348.86 million the previous day. — RMDO with Reuters

Peso drops on US CPI report

MARI GIMENEZ-UNSPLASH

THE PESO dropped against the dollar on Wednesday amid faster-than-expected US consumer inflation.

The local unit closed at P55.396 per dollar on Wednesday, weakening by 8.6 centavos from its P55.31 finish on Tuesday, Bankers Association of the Philippines data showed.

The peso opened Wednesday’s session sharply weaker at P55.55 against the dollar, which was also its worst showing for the day. Its intraday best was at P55.345 versus the greenback.

Dollars exchanged went down to $1.01 billion on Wednesday from $1.13 billion on Tuesday.

The peso weakened on Wednesday due to the faster-than-expected US consumer price index (CPI) in February, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message.

US consumer prices increased solidly in February amid higher costs for gasoline and shelter, suggesting some stickiness in inflation that further diminishes the chances of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut before June, Reuters reported.

The consumer price index rose 0.4% last month after climbing 0.3% in January, the Labor department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics said. Gasoline prices rebounded 3.8% after declining 3.3% in January. Shelter, which includes rents, rose 0.4% after advancing 0.6% in the prior month.

In the 12 months through February, the CPI increased 3.2%, after advancing 3.1% in January.

Economists polled by Reuters had forecast the CPI would gain 0.4% on the month and increase 3.1% on a year-on-year basis. The annual increase in consumer prices has slowed from a peak of 9.1% in June 2022, but progress has stalled in recent months.

For Thursday, a trader said in an e-mail that the peso could depreciate further due to a potential uptick in US retail sales.

The trader sees the peso moving between P55.30 and P55.55 per dollar on Thursday, while Mr. Ricafort expects it to range from P55.30 to P55.50. — A.M.C. Sy with Reuters

Blu Boys dominate Pangaea Cup International Slo Pitch tourney

ASAPHIL.COM.PH

THE PHILIPPINES came through with a sweet sweep in completing a successful title defense in the men’s super division of the Pangaea Cup International Slo Pitch tournament recently staged at the Villages in Clark Field, Pampanga.

The Cebuana Lhuillier-bankrolled Blu Boys turned back all the teams it crossed paths with including the Japan Ole Dogs, 13-1, in the semis and the vaunted USA Fattboyz Worldwide, 12-6, in the finale.

The team’s other triumphs came at the expense of Korea Grizzlers, 10-4, Taiwan Wolves, 10-6, Saigon Buffalo, 14-6, Shanghai Stepdads, 11-6, and Taguig Generals, 18-1.

Jasper Cabrera, the current national men’s team coach, came through with the worthiest performance and was named the Most Valuable Player of the men’s super division.

Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines President and Cebuana Lhuillier chief executive officer Jean Henri Lhuillier lauded the Blu Boys for their feat. “This goes to show that once talent is fostered with hard work, no goal is impossible to achieve,” said Mr. Lhuillier. “Their resounding triumph at the Pangaea Cup is a true testament to their dedication to the game.” — Joey Villar

Unbeaten UST outlasts pesky UP in straight sets

UST GOLDEN TRIGRESSES — FACEBOOK.COM/WEARETHEUAAP

Games on Saturday
(Smart-Araneta Coliseum)
10 a.m. — DLSU vs NU (men)
12 noon — AdU vs UST (men)
2 p.m. — DLSU vs NU (women)
4 p.m. — AdU vs UST (women)

UNDEFEATED University of Santo Tomas (UST)carved out a pesky 25-22, 25-20, 26-24 win over the listless University of the Philippines (UP) to zero in on a first-round sweep and match its best start in 13 years in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Dazzling rookie Angeline Poyos continued her stellar act with 22 points as the UST Golden Tigresses zoomed to a 6-0 slate, equaling the feat of the Season 73 batch led by icons Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Rhea Dimaculangan.

Ms. Poyos, coming off a career-best 26-point outing against Ateneo de Manila University, hammered 18 hits and four aces to spearhead Santo Tomas’ march to yet another win with a pretty chance to complete a first-round wipeout against Adamson University (AdU) this Saturday.

Xyza Gula had 14 points, 10 digs and 12 receptions, Regina Jurado added 12 points to back Ms. Poyos in scoring while playmaker Cassie Carballo set the stage for her efficient spikers with 16 sets.

Season 85 Best Libero Bernadett Pepito provided 15 digs for the wards of coach Kungfu Reyes, who’s delighted to finally see the Golden Tigresses blossom into their fine form since his arrival in 2015.

University of Santo Tomas found UP, sans ace middle blocker Niña Ytang, a tough nut to crack in each of three sets with deficits at multiple points but still managed to flaunt immense composure for the win.

The bigger ones were in the second set as the Golden Tigresses unleashed a staggering 5-0 closeout for the win then a gritty escape act in the extended third set, highlighted by Regina Jurado’s off the block hit.

Stephanie Bustrillo (14) led UP, winless in six games entering its last assignment in the first round against the struggling University of the East (1-5). — John Bryan Ulanday

EcoOil-La Salle kickstarts PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup

PBA.PH

Games Thursday
(Filoil EcoOil Centre, San Juan)
4:30 p.m. — Go Torrakku-St. Clare vs Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda
7:30 p.m. — EcoOil-DLSU vs CCI-Yengskivel

REIGNING champion EcoOil-La Salle and fancied Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda loom as the heavy favorites when they usher in the 2024 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup against separate counterparts Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan,

The Green Archers kickstart their three-peat bid in the main game at 7:30 p.m. against new squad CCI-Yengskivel following the curtain raiser at 4:30 p.m. featuring last season’s runners-up Red Lions opposite the Go Torrakku-St. Clare.

MVP Kevin Quiambao has not been listed by the Green Archers but they will still parade the core of their championship both in the UAAP and the D-League last year, led by hulking slotman Mike Phillips.

UAAP 3×3 MVP CJ Austria, Earl Abadam, Joshua David, Raven Cortez and Jonnel Policarpio are also in the fray as the wards of coach Topex Robinson deal with the graduation of top guards Evan Nelle and Mark Nonoy as well as captain Ben Phillips.

EcoOil-La Salle ruled the last two seasons of the D-League and is poised to complete a hat-trick despite the expected strong resistance of the six-team opposition.

Standing in their way as first tests are the Crusaders, who are out to put out a roaring introduction statement as the new franchise in the D-League with head coach Arwin Villamor Adina leading the way.

The spotlight, however, is also on Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda in a bid to avenge its tough finale defeat to EcoOil-La Salle.

Serving handy in that goal was the Red Lions’ stellar championship run in the NCAA as they hope to translate it to the PBA’s developmental ranks.

Mentor Yuri Escueta banks on an almost intact core bannered by NCAA Finals MVP James Payosing, Jomel Puno, Aaron James Royo and Yukien Andrada.

The Red Lions will nurse the departure of ace guard Jacob Cortez to La Salle though he has to redshirt first but they will have prized acquisitions in Bryan Sajonia (from FEU), RC Calimag (from UP) and Penny Estactio (from La Salle) to lean on.

But seasoned tactician Jinino Manansala and his St. Clare unit vow to give the NCAA king a run for its own money. — John Bryan Ulanday

Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner reach Indian Wells quarterfinals

CARLOS ALCARAZ — FACEBOOK.COM/ATPTOUR

CARLOS ALCARAZ beat Fabian Marozsan to avenge his loss to the Hungarian at the Italian Open last year, while Jannik Sinner won his 18th straight match as both players cruised into the Indian Wells quarterfinals with straight-sets victories on Tuesday.

Mr. Alcaraz never looked in any trouble against Marozsan, pounding forehands and confidently holding serve to take another step towards defending his title in the California desert with a 6-3 6-3 win.

A crosscourt forehand on match point sealed the victory for the second-seeded Spaniard, who nodded to his team and yelled “Vamos.” Mr. Marozsan was a qualifier when he stunned Mr. Alcaraz in straight sets in Rome last May but the world number two turned the tables under sunny skies on centre court with a clinical performance.

“Honestly I was nervous before the match, I’m not going to lie,” Mr. Alcaraz said.

“Playing against someone who beat you easily — I remember I had no chances in the match in Rome. It was difficult for me today to approach the match, but I’m really happy with the way that I did.”

“I started pretty well, playing my style since the beginning. Today I knew what I had to do better than I did in Rome.”

Mr. Alcaraz continues to gain momentum at the tournament and since dropping the first set in the first match he played, he has not lost one since. The victory was his 50th match win at a Masters 1000 event.

The two-time Grand Slam winner is on course for a possible collision with Australian Open champion Mr. Sinner in the semi-finals but will first need to get past Alexander Zverev.

The big-serving German sixth seed wore down Australian Alex de Minaur with his relentless power to claim a 5-7 6-2 6-3 victory.

Mr. Sinner shaded a tight first set against American Ben Shelton in windy conditions and met with little resistance in the second, securing a 7-6(4) 6-1 win to maintain his perfect record in 2024.

“I just tried to stay positive,” Mr. Sinner said.

“There were tough moments, especially in the first set, and I’m really happy that I won that and started really positive in the second set, which gave me a lot of confidence.”

Third seed Mr. Sinner will be the favorite when he faces Jiri Lehecka for the first timein the quarters.

Mr. Lehecka, seeded 32nd, backed up his upset of fifth seed Andrey Rublev with another over 11th seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in a dominant 6-2 6-4 win to reach his first ever quarter-final at a Masters 1000 event.

The 22-year-old Czech piled up 25 winners against the Greek player and has not dropped serve in his last two matches. — Reuters

UEFA Champions League last 16 to feature seeded draw in revamp

LONDON — The revamped Champions League will feature a tennis-style seeding system for the last-16 knockout phase, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) said on Tuesday as it detailed changes to its elite club competition.

A semi-automated draw will also replace the manual draw which has become a feature of the competition.

Next season’s competition will expand from 32 to 36 clubs with the current six groups of four replaced by a single group in which teams face eight games against different opponents.

The top eight clubs will automatically qualify for the last 16 while those finishing ninth to 24th face a playoff round to determine the other eight.

Unlike the current open draw for the last 16, clubs will be seeded in a tennis-style draw depending on their performance in the group phase. This will mean the first and second seeds cannot meet until the final and cannot play the teams seeded third and fourth until the semifinals at the earliest. It is the first change to the Champions League since a 16-team knockout round replaced the second group stage in 2003-04.

Speaking at a briefing on Tuesday, Giorgio Marchetti, UEFA’s Deputy General Secretary and Director of Football, said the new format would make the competition more unpredictable, ensure more matches between the big clubs and less dead rubbers.

The 36 clubs will be split in to four pots of nine with each club facing two from each pot. The final round of group matches will have 16 matches kick off simultaneously.

Another change will be to the Champions League draw ceremony, a laborious process traditionally involving balls being picked from different pots by former players.

Mr. Marchetti said UEFA modeling found that performing the draw for the new format in the same way would take “three or four hours” and involve around 900 balls.

Next season’s group stage draw will be a new hybrid system with some drawing of balls but mostly done digitally. — Reuters

Barcelona into CL last eight with 3-1 win over Napoli

BARCELONA, Spain — Barcelona reached the Champions League (CL) quarterfinals for the first time in four years after a 3-1 win over Napoli in their last-16 second leg gave them a 4-2 aggregate victory on Tuesday.

In a highly entertaining game, Barca set the early pace to take a 2-0 lead but Napoli pulled a goal back to set up an exciting second half before Robert Lewandowski scored a killer third goal for the hosts.

Fermin Lopez opened the scoring for the home side after 15 minutes and two minutes later Joao Cancelo doubled their lead. Barcelona looked well on the way to a decisive win before Napoli got on the scoresheet Both sides had chances after the break but with seven minutes left Barca found a much-needed third goal when Mr. Lewandowski slotted home a clever pass from Sergi Roberto. — Reuters

Putin warns the West: Russia is ready for nuclear war

MOSCOW — President Vladimir Putin warned the West on Wednesday that Russia was technically ready for nuclear war and that if the US sent troops to Ukraine it would be considered a significant escalation of the war.

Mr. Putin, speaking just days before a March 15-17 election which is certain to give him another six years in power, said the nuclear war scenario was not “rushing” up and he saw no need for the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine.

“From a military-technical point of view, we are, of course, ready,” Mr. Putin, 71, told Rossiya-1 television and news agency RIA in response to a question whether the country was really ready for a nuclear war.

Mr. Putin said the US understood that if it deployed American troops on Russian territory — or to Ukraine — Russia would treat the move as an intervention.

“(In the United States) there are enough specialists in the field of Russian-American relations and in the field of strategic restraint,” Mr. Putin said.

“Therefore, I don’t think that here everything is rushing to it (nuclear confrontation), but we are ready for this.”

The war in Ukraine has triggered the deepest crisis in Russia’s relations with the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis and Mr. Putin has warned several times that the West risks provoking a nuclear war if it sends troops to fight in Ukraine.

Mr. Putin sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022, triggering full-scale war after eight years of conflict in eastern Ukraine between Ukrainian forces on one side and pro-Russian Ukrainians and Russian proxies on the other.

Western leaders have promised to defeat Russia in Ukraine, but after two years of war, Russian forces control a little under one fifth of Ukrainian territory.

In a US election year, the West is grappling with how to support Kyiv against Russia which has bolstered its army with hundreds of thousands of men and is rearming much faster than the West.

Kyiv says it is defending itself against an imperial-style war of conquest designed to erase its national identity. Russia says the areas it controls in Ukraine are now Russia.

NUCLEAR WAR?
Mr. Putin, Russia’s ultimate decision maker on nuclear weapons, reiterated that the use of nuclear weapons was spelled out in the Kremlin’s nuclear doctrine, its policy setting out the circumstances in which Russia might use its weapons.

“Weapons exist in order to use them,” Mr. Putin said. “We have our own principles.”

Russia and the United States are by far the largest nuclear powers, controlling more than 90% of the world’s nuclear weapons.

Mr. Putin said Russia was ready for serious talks on Ukraine.

“Russia is ready for negotiations on Ukraine, but they should be based on reality — and not on cravings after the use of psychotropic drugs,” Mr. Putin said.

Reuters reported last month that Mr. Putin’s suggestion of a ceasefire in Ukraine to freeze the war was rejected by the United States after contacts between intermediaries.

If the United States conducted nuclear tests, Russia might do the same, he added in the wide-ranging interview. “It’s not necessary … we still need to think about it, but I don’t rule out that we can do the same.”

CNN reported on Saturday that the administration of US President Joseph R. Biden was specifically concerned in 2022 that Russia might use a tactical or battlefield nuclear weapon in Ukraine.

CNN said US intelligence agencies received information there were communications among Russian officials explicitly discussing a nuclear strike in 2022.

However, Mr. Putin said Russia had never faced a need to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine, where the conflict has raged since February 2022.

“Why do we need to use weapons of mass destruction? There has never been such a need.” — Reuters

US spy chief ‘cannot rule out’ that China would use TikTok to influence US elections

WASHINGTON — China could use social media app TikTok to influence the 2024 US elections, US Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines told a House of Representatives intelligence committee hearing on Tuesday.

Asked by Democratic Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi if China’s ruling Communist Party (CCP) would use TikTok to influence the elections, Ms. Haines said: “We cannot rule out that the CCP would use it.”

Mr. Krishnamoorthi is also the ranking Democrat on the House select committee on China. He and that panel’s Republican chair Mike Gallagher last week introduced a bill that would give TikTok’s Chinese owner ByteDance about six months to divest the short video app used by 170 million Americans.

The House is due to vote on Wednesday under fast-track rules that require two-thirds of members to vote “yes” for the measure to win passage.

President Joseph R. Biden said last week he would sign the bill, but the app is popular and getting legislation approved by both the House and Senate in an election year may be difficult.

The 2024 Annual Threat Assessment of the US Intelligence Community released on Monday said TikTok accounts run by a Chinese government propaganda arm reportedly targeted candidates from both political parties during the US midterm election cycle in 2022.

Lawmakers have long voiced concerns that the Chinese government could access user data or influence what people see on the app, including pushing content to stoke US political divisions.

TikTok, which says it has not and would not share US user data with the Chinese government, argues the House bill amounts to a ban. It was unclear if China would approve any sale or if TikTok could be divested in six months.

Also speaking at the House hearing, FBI Director Christopher Wray repeated his assessment that TikTok posed national security threats.

“Americans need to ask themselves whether they want to give the Chinese government the ability to control access to their data,” Mr. Wray said, adding that it could ultimately “compromise their devices.” — Reuters

Global child mortality rates dropped in 2022 but progress slow, UN says

Children are seen playing in Baseco, Manila. — PHILIPPINE STAR/MICHAEL VARCAS

LONDON — The number of children globally who died before their fifth birthday dropped to a record low of 4.9 million in 2022, but that still represents one death every six seconds, according to new United Nations (UN)estimates.

While the mortality rate for under-5s has roughly halved since 2000, the world is still behind in the goal of reducing preventable deaths in that age group by 2030, and progress has slowed since 2015, the report, released on Wednesday, found.

The numbers represent “an important milestone”, said Juan Pablo Uribe, director for health nutrition and population at the World Bank, one of the partners that put together the report alongside Unicef, the UN population division and the World Health Organization.

“But this is simply not enough.”

The picture is varied. Some countries, like Cambodia, Malawi and Mongolia, have reduced under-5 mortality rates by more than 75% since 2000.

Overall, deaths in babies and children under-5 in 2022 were concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa, which represented 57% of the global total despite only making up 30% of the live births that year. Southern Asia had around a quarter of both deaths and live births. Around half of the deaths globally are among newborns, the report said.

The report was limited by a lack of data in the worst-affected countries, the UN partners added.

The deaths were largely caused by preventable or treatable causes, such as pre-term birth, pneumonia or diarrhea. Better access to primary health care and community health workers could vastly improve the outlook, the UN said, although climate change, increasing inequity, conflict and the long-term fall-out of COVID-19 could all threaten progress. — Reuters

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