UK Children Have the Poorest Health Outcomes in Europe – EMJ

CHILDREN in the United Kingdom have some of the worst outcomes for children in Europe, according to a new report from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH).

The report highlighted declining vaccination rates, rising asthma admissions, and mental health disorders as some of the key drivers for the UK’s worsening child health outcomes.

The RCPCH states that paediatricians are warning that, without urgent action, the UK is set to raise one of the unhealthiest generations of children in decades.

Latest State of Child Health Report

The RCPCH’s State of Child Health report evaluated the health of children across 12 indicators, such as obesity, vaping and smoking, and injuries.

First published in 2017, the RCPCH’s latest analysis found that children’s health in the UK across all 12 indicators has either declined or stalled completely.

The report concluded that widening inequalities, gaps in data, and chronic underinvestment are putting the health of this generation of child at risk.

Worst Outcomes in Deprived Areas

The RCPCH shared that only 84% of children in the UK have received two doses of the MMR vaccine by aged 5 years, falling behind the World Health Organization’s 95% target.

It was also reported that over one in three children aged 10 to 11 years are overweight or obese, and one in five children aged 8 to 16 years have a probable mental health disorder.

Children in the most deprived areas across the UK have particularly poor outcomes.

Children in the most deprived areas were four times more likely to die from asthma, with infant mortality twice as high in the most deprived communities.

Additionally, a recent YouGov poll commissioned by the RCPCH found that only 12% of parents believe child health has improved over the last ten years.

The RCPCH Calls for Government Action

Following the release of its report, the RCPCH has called for the UK government to prioritise children’s health.

The RCPCH has made recommendations ahead of the upcoming appointment of a new Prime Minister in the UK.

These recommendations include fair and consistent investment in children’s health services, improved child health data collection and sharing, and the establishment of national targets to improve child health outcomes and narrow the deprivation gap.

RCPCH Officer for Health Improvement, Dr Helen Stewart, said:

“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…

“…Without action, more children will grow up in poor health, entering adulthood at a disadvantage and putting even greater pressure on families and public services…

“…In their first 100 days, the new prime minister should set out how they will make children’s health a priority through sustained investment, better use of data and clear national targets. Paediatricians have provided the blueprint, now policymakers must listen.”

Dame Rachel de Souza, Children’s Commissioner for England, said:

“Factors such as where children live and family finances shouldn’t determine whether they can have a healthy start in life…This important report shows that the country is not only overseeing a decline in children’s health but also failing to uphold their rights…

“…Improving children’s health and wellbeing must be at the heart of government decision making.”

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