UK children are facing a bleak future when it comes to their health, according to a stark new analysis from leading paediatricians. The report by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) paints a grim picture, with widespread stagnation or decline in child health outcomes across 12 internationally recognised indicators.
The RCPCH's report highlights significant concerns, including reduced vaccination rates and rising hospital admissions for conditions such as asthma and mental health disorders. Only 84% of children in the UK receive two doses of the MMR vaccine by their fifth birthday, falling short of the World Health Organization's recommended 95% target. This puts the UK at the bottom of G7 nations for childhood immunisation. Furthermore, the country has one of the highest asthma-related mortality rates in Europe and infant mortality rates have shown minimal improvement since 2023, remaining higher than in many other European countries.
The analysis also reveals severe health inequalities across the UK, exacerbating the poor health of many children. Infant mortality and childhood obesity rates are more than double in the most deprived areas compared with the least deprived. Dr Helen Stewart, RCPCH officer for health improvement, stresses that this situation is 'a national embarrassment', stating that other Western European countries are achieving better outcomes for their children.
The RCPCH has urged the incoming government to prioritise child health, calling for sustained investment in children's health services and workforce, improved data collection and sharing across the UK, and binding national targets to enhance outcomes. This appeal comes as a YouGov poll found that only 12% of parents believe child health has improved over the past decade.
Sarah Woolnough, chief executive at the King's Fund, describes the report as a 'wake-up call', warning that without urgent and sustained action, today's children risk experiencing poorer health than previous generations. The NHS has emphasised the need for urgent improvement in child health outcomes, with statistics suggesting a pressing concern for policymakers.
The RCPCH is clear in its demands: it wants to see action taken by the new government to address these concerns and improve child health outcomes. As Dr Stewart warns, 'it's time to get our priorities right' and ensure that children have access to the healthcare they need.