UK children will be one of unhealthiest generations in decades, doctors say

Reduced vaccination rates alongside rising hospital admissions for asthma and mental health disorders are all contributing factors to the UK’s record on children’s health, which should be seen as a “national embarrassment”, their analysis has found.

The report, published by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), analysed 12 globally recognised indicators of child health and wellbeing including infant mortality rates, oral health, obesity, vaccination rates, the prevalence of mental health disorders and asthma rates. Child health outcomes across the UK had significantly stagnated across all metrics, portraying the UK’s children as among the unhealthiest in western Europe.

For example, only 84% of children in the UK receive two doses of the MMR vaccine by age five, which is below the World Health Organization’s 95% target and makes 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 in the UK have shown little improvement since 2023 while remaining higher than in other European countries, according to the report.

Significant inequalities exist across the UK, exacerbating the poor health children are already experiencing, according to the report. Rates of both infant mortality and obesity were found to be more than twice as high in the most deprived areas compared with the least deprived.

“The UK’s record on children’s health should be a national embarrassment,” said Dr Helen Stewart, the RCPCH officer for health improvement. “Across western Europe, many other countries are achieving better outcomes for children, yet too many children here are being left behind. 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 appeared to appeal to Andy Burnham, who is expected to become prime minister on 20 July, to prioritise the issue. “The new government has a chance to be bold on child health. 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,” she 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. Paediatricians have provided the blueprint, now policymakers must listen.”

Alongside its analysis, the report also included polling by YouGov, which found that only 12% of parents believe child health has improved over the past 10 years, suggesting that where progress has been made, it has not been felt by families.

The RCPCH has called on the government to introduce various measures, including further investment in children’s health services and the workforce, improving how child health data is collected and shared across the UK, and introducing binding national targets to improve child health outcomes and narrow the gap between the most and least deprived.

Sarah Woolnough, cthe chief executive at health charity the King’s Fund, said the report should be treated as a “wake-up call”.

“Without urgent and sustained action, there is a real risk that today’s children will experience poorer health than previous generations,” she 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. Whether it is infant mortality, obesity, mental health or vaccination uptake, the evidence is clear that children from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to experience worse outcomes.”

A government spokesperson said: “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.

“As well as ending the two-child limit, we’re expanding mental health support in schools and colleges, opening family hubs and local health centres, and protecting children through tougher rules on smoking, vapes and junk food ads.

“We’re also giving primary pupils a healthier start to the day with free breakfast clubs and providing free school meals to every single child from a household in receipt of universal credit.”