Children growing up in the UK are on course to become one of the unhealthiest generations in decades, with leading paediatricians warning that child health outcomes have either deteriorated or stalled across almost every key measure.
A new report from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) found declining vaccination rates, rising hospital admissions for asthma and mental health conditions, and widening health inequalities are contributing to what doctors described as a “national embarrassment”.
The report assessed 12 internationally recognised indicators of child health and wellbeing, including infant mortality, obesity, oral health, vaccination uptake, asthma and mental health. It concluded that child health across the UK has stagnated, leaving British children among the unhealthiest in western Europe.
According to the findings, only 84% of UK children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine by the age of five, well below the World Health Organization’s 95% target, making the UK the poorest-performing G7 nation for MMR vaccination. The report also highlighted that the UK has one of Europe’s highest asthma-related death rates, while infant mortality remains higher than in many comparable European countries.
Researchers found major health inequalities across the UK, with infant mortality and childhood obesity rates more than twice as high in the most deprived communities compared with the least deprived.
Dr Helen Stewart, RCPCH Officer for Health Improvement, said: “The UK’s record on children’s health should be a national embarrassment.”
She 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.”
Stewart urged the incoming Government to prioritise children’s health, saying: “The new government has a chance to be bold on child health.” She called for action within its first 100 days through sustained investment, improved data collection and clear national targets.
Polling conducted by YouGov for the report found only 12% of parents believe children’s health has improved over the past decade, suggesting many families have not experienced any meaningful progress.
The RCPCH is calling for increased investment in children’s health services, better collection and sharing of health data across the UK, and legally binding national targets to improve outcomes and reduce health inequalities.
Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive of The King’s Fund, described the findings as “a wake-up call”, warning: “Without urgent and sustained action, there is a real risk that today’s children will experience poorer health than previous generations.”
She added that the report provides clear evidence that children from disadvantaged backgrounds are significantly more likely to experience poorer health outcomes across areas including infant mortality, obesity, mental health and vaccination uptake.
Responding to the report, a Government spokesperson said ministers are taking action to improve children’s health by tackling poverty, expanding mental health support in schools, opening family hubs and local health centres, introducing stricter rules on smoking, vaping and junk food advertising, and extending free breakfast clubs and free school meals to children in households receiving Universal Credit.