Khaberni - Children are pivotal to human development and are considered a fundamental pillar in the social structure of Jordan and its future. On Children's Day, there is a need for a comprehensive review of the statistical indicators that reflect the situation of children in the kingdom, and present a clear picture of Jordan's progress in enhancing children's rights and ensuring their welfare, in line with its national and international commitments towards this vital group.
According to population estimates by the Department of Statistics for 2024, more than 4.7 million children under the age of eighteen live in Jordan, representing about 40% of the total population, with 48.6% females compared to 51.4% males.
Results from the 2023 Population and Family Health Survey showed that 99.7% of children under the age of five had their births registered at civil status offices, and 91.9% of children live with both parents compared to 2.8% of children who live with one parent or both deceased.
The 2023 Population and Family Health Survey results reflected a noticeable improvement in the health of children and mothers in Jordan regarding healthcare for mothers and newborns, where 97% of pregnant women received pre-natal care from a health specialist, and the newborn mortality rate decreased from 14 deaths per 1000 live births in 2012 to 9 deaths per 1000 live births in 2023.
Also, the infant mortality rate decreased from 17 deaths per 1000 live births in 2012 to 14 deaths in 2023, and the under-five mortality rate decreased from 21 live births in 2012 to 15 deaths per 1000 live births in 2023.
The population survey added that 15% of newborns were born with low weight (less than 2.5 kg) in 2023 compared to 16.7% in 2017-2018, indicating that the proportion of stunting in children under five decreased from 12% in 2002 to 8% in 2023.
It indicated that the prevalence rate of malnutrition among children under the age of five was 11.1% for 2023, and the prevalence rate of wasting among children under the age of five was 2.3% for 2023, with the prevalence of overweight among children under the age of five at 8.8% for 2023.
It pointed out that 1% of children aged (6–59 months) suffer from severe anemia, and 24% of children under the age of 6 months receive exclusive breastfeeding, while 30% were not breastfed at all.
Jordan has made clear progress in education indicators as reported by the Ministry of Education, with the enrollment rate in kindergartens rising from 36.9% in the academic year 2021-2022 to 39.2% in 2024-2023, and the enrollment rate in the basic education stage increased from 94.5% in the academic year 2021-2022 to 94.9% in 32024-202, and the enrollment rate in high school increased from 77.0% in the academic year 2021-2022 to 77.9% in 2023-2024.
Results from the 2023 Population and Family Health Survey showed that about 84% of children aged between 24-59 months are on the right track in terms of growth in health, education, and social and emotional well-being, with the percentage of females at 85.9% compared to 82.4% for males.
The results showed an increase in the percentage of children aged (12-23 months) who received all the basic vaccines to 92% compared to 86% in 2017-2018, and an increase in the percentage of children aged (12-23 months) who received the measles vaccine to 94.3% compared to about 88% in 2017-2018.
