UK children face poor health outcomes, paediatricians report
7 reported
A group of leading paediatricians has stated that children in the UK will grow up to be one of the unhealthiest generations in decades, with child health outcomes having declined or stalled across all areas. The report, published by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), analyzed 12 globally recognized indicators of child health and wellbeing, including infant mortality, obesity, vaccination rates, and mental health disorders. The analysis found that reduced vaccination rates, rising hospital admissions for asthma and mental health disorders are contributing factors, and described the UK’s record on children’s health as a “national embarrassment.” The report noted that only 84% of children in the UK receive two doses of the MMR vaccine by age five, below the World Health Organization’s 95% target, making the UK the worst performing of G7 nations. Significant inequalities exist, with rates of infant mortality and obesity more than twice as high in the most deprived areas compared with the least deprived. The RCPCH has called on the government to introduce measures including further investment in children’s health services and binding national targets. A government spokesperson responded that the government is taking action to lift children out of poverty, expand mental health support, and protect children through rules on smoking, vapes, and junk food ads.
What’s reported
The RCPCH report analyzed 12 globally recognized indicators of child health and wellbeing.
Only 84% of children in the UK receive two doses of the MMR vaccine by age five, below the WHO’s 95% target.
The UK has one of the highest asthma-related mortality rates in Europe.
Infant mortality rates in the UK have shown little improvement since 2023 and remain higher than in other European countries.
Rates of infant mortality and obesity are more than twice as high in the most deprived areas compared with the least deprived.
Polling by YouGov found that only 12% of parents believe child health has improved over the past 10 years.
The RCPCH called for further investment in children’s health services, improved data collection, and binding national targets.
Key figures
Dr Helen Stewart, RCPCH officer for health improvement
Sarah Woolnough, chief executive at the King’s Fund
A government spokesperson (not named)
Sources: The Guardian
