site.btaNational Statistical Institute, UNICEF Present Reports on Children's Well-being in Bulgaria

On the eve of the International Children's Day, the joint initiative of the National Statistical Institute (NSI) and UNICEF to present the electronic publication Children in Bulgaria in 2024, which summarizes key data on the life, health, education and well-being of children in the country and UNICEF Global Report 19 Child Well-Being in an Unpredictable World, continues for the third consecutive year, the NSI reported on Thursday.

The NSI publication covers a wide range of topics from fertility, mortality and health to access to education, social inclusion, living conditions and cultural activities. It also presents data on children accounted for in childcare centres and on the income and expenditure of households with children.

As of December 31, 2024, a total of 1,103,110 children live in Bulgaria, the NSI informed. Among the positive trends, the steady decline in infant mortality stands out - from 7.6‰ in 2014 to 4.5‰ in 2024. Also, the level of immunization coverage has increased after 2022, with over 90% of children receiving the mandatory vaccines.

However, challenges to child well-being in Bulgaria remain significant. Over the past five years, there has been little change in the number of children recorded in childcare centres, from 8,899 in 2020 to 8,430 in 2024, the NSI added.

The situation in Bulgaria is also reflected in the recently released UNICEF Global Report 19 Child Well-Being in an Unpredictable World, which analyses the situation of children in the highest income countries. The report ranks Bulgaria 28th out of 36 countries on six key indicators. It reported a deterioration in life satisfaction among children, an increase in cases of obesity and a decline in their academic skills compared to the previous Report 16 in 2018.

The UNICEF Representative in Bulgaria, Christina de Bruin, stressed that children's well-being is not measured by economic data alone, but by whether children feel loved, heard and supported. The reports clearly show that there is progress in some areas, but also highlights some significant challenges, she added. De Bruin stressed the need of a systematic effort - from both institutions and families - to ensure that every child in Bulgaria grows up in a safe, supportive and nurturing environment.

A positive trend, according to Report 19, is the decreasing infant mortality rate, the release added.