The World Mortality Report 2015, prepared by the Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat, provides an overview of the patterns, levels, and trends in mortality at the national, regional, and global level during 1950-2015 drawn from the latest set of demographic estimates for 233 countries or areas, as published in World Population Prospects: The 2015 Revision (United Nations, 2015a). The analysis focuses on country and regional data for selected mortality indicators. In addition to examining the summary indicator of life expectancy at birth, the report analyses levels and trends in mortality for key age groups in childhood and provides a snapshot of adult and "old age" mortality levels. The report focuses mostly on the period from 1990 to 2015, the implementation period identified for the Millennium Development Goals, and reviews in particular how further improvements in child survival can be achieved by addressing key determinants of inequalities in infant and early childhood mortality in selected lower and middle-income countries. Some implications for the sustainable development goals and targets on health are discussed, including priorities for future reductions in mortality risks.
1. Global levels and trends in mortality -- 2. Determinants of inequalities in infant and early childhood mortality -- 3. Policy implications of the Sustainable Development Goals for population health -- 4. References -- 5. Annex tables: summary mortality indicators in 1950-2015, by country or area.

xiv, 99 p. : graphs, tables

Includes bibliographical references (p. 57-61) and index.