The UK is facing a child health crisis, with paediatricians warning that children are on track to be among the unhealthiest generation in decades. A new analysis by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) found that child health outcomes have declined or stalled across all 12 indicators studied, including infant mortality, obesity, vaccination rates, mental health, and asthma.
Worst performer among G7 nations for MMR vaccination
Only 84% of children in the UK receive two doses of the MMR vaccine by age five, well below the World Health Organization's 95% target, making the UK the worst performing G7 nation. The UK also has one of the highest asthma-related mortality rates in Europe, and infant mortality rates have shown little improvement since 2023, remaining higher than in other European countries.
Significant inequalities
The report highlights stark inequalities: infant mortality and obesity rates are more than twice as high in the most deprived areas compared with the least deprived. Dr Helen Stewart, RCPCH officer for health improvement, called the situation a 'national embarrassment'. 'Across western Europe, many other countries are achieving better outcomes for children, yet too many children here are being left behind,' she said.
Call for government action
The RCPCH urged the new government to prioritise child health within its first 100 days, calling for sustained investment, better data use, and clear national targets. Polling by YouGov, included in the report, found that only 12% of parents believe child health has improved over the past decade. Sarah Woolnough, chief executive of the King's Fund, described the report as a 'wake-up call', warning that without urgent action, today's children risk poorer health than previous generations.
Government response
A government spokesperson acknowledged the challenges, stating: '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 free breakfast clubs and free school meals for children in households on universal credit.
