The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) has published an analysis of 12 globally recognised indicators of child health and wellbeing, including infant mortality, oral health, obesity, vaccination rates, mental health disorders, and asthma. The report concludes that child health outcomes across the UK have significantly stagnated or declined, portraying UK children as among the unhealthiest in western Europe.
Stagnating Metrics and National Embarrassment
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. The UK also has one of the highest asthma-related mortality rates in Europe. Infant mortality rates have shown little improvement since 2023 and remain higher than in other European countries.
Dr Helen Stewart, RCPCH officer for health improvement, said: "The UK's record on children's health should be a national embarrassment. Across western Europe, many other countries are achieving better outcomes for children, yet too many children here are being left behind."
Inequalities Exacerbate Poor Health
Significant inequalities exist across the UK. Rates of infant mortality and obesity are more than twice as high in the most deprived areas compared with the least deprived. Dr Stewart added: "The State of Child Health report shows that we are categorically failing children in the UK, but especially those from ethnic minorities and poorer backgrounds."
Call for Government Action
The RCPCH has called on the new government, expected to be led by Andy Burnham from 20 July, to prioritise child health. Dr Stewart said: "In its first 100 days, the new government should set out how it will make children's health a priority through sustained investment, better use of data and clear national targets."
The report also includes YouGov polling showing that only 12% of parents believe child health has improved over the past 10 years, indicating that progress has not been felt by families.
Wake-Up Call for Policymakers
Sarah Woolnough, chief executive of the King's Fund, said: "This report paints a deeply worrying picture of children's health across the UK. It is a stark reminder that health inequalities begin early in life and can shape health, wellbeing and opportunities for years to come."
A government spokesperson responded: "Following a decade of neglect, too many children – particularly those growing up in the most deprived communities – continue to experience poorer health outcomes than they should. That's why this government is taking decisive action to lift children out of poverty, tackle health inequalities and raise the healthiest generation of children ever."
The spokesperson highlighted measures including ending the two-child limit, expanding mental health support in schools, opening family hubs, and introducing tougher rules on smoking, vapes, and junk food ads, as well as free breakfast clubs and free school meals for children in households receiving universal credit.
