A new report highlights a troubling trend in child health across England, indicating that the nation has experienced a decline in children’s health outcomes for the past 15 years. The findings, presented by the Institute of Health Equity (IHE) in collaboration with the children’s charity Barnardo’s, raise alarms about the worsening health and wellbeing of children and young people in the country.
According to the report, children in the UK face some of the poorest health outcomes in Europe. The analysis points to a significant increase in health inequalities, with disparities evident based on wealth and ethnic background. Leading health expert Professor Sir Michael Marmot, who authored the report’s foreword, stated, “England is failing its children.” He emphasized that the social determinants of health—such as living conditions and access to resources—are crucial for healthy childhood development.
Widening Disparities in Child Health
The report underscores a steep and widening social gradient in child health, where many children grow up in environments that adversely affect their wellbeing. Professor Marmot noted that numerous children are living in cold and overcrowded homes, exposed to polluted air, facing food insecurity, and lacking essential nurturing activities. These factors have long-lasting effects on health and life opportunities.
The Children and Young People’s Health Equity Collaborative (CHEC), which includes the IHE, Barnardo’s, and various local health organizations, aims to address these issues by advocating for improvements in the healthcare system. The report was launched during an event focusing on child health at The King’s Fund, illustrating a commitment to fostering change.
The report includes various successful initiatives where the National Health Service (NHS) has partnered with charities to improve conditions for children in disadvantaged areas. Examples include a program in Cheshire and Merseyside designed to enhance parent-child bonding and prepare children for school. Another initiative in Rotherham focused on promoting children’s emotional wellbeing through after-school activities.
Calls to Action for National Leadership
The report outlines several urgent calls to action and introduces a new framework to assist local health systems in understanding their role in improving children’s health across multiple sectors, including housing and education. Rukshana Kapasi, director of health, quality, and inclusion at Barnardo’s, highlighted the challenges faced by many children today. She stated, “Every day across Barnardo’s services, we see children who are full of potential but held back by circumstances they cannot control.”
Kapasi pointed out that issues such as poverty, unsafe housing, and unequal access to support significantly hinder children’s opportunities for a healthy and fulfilling childhood. She stressed that changes are possible and called for strong national leadership to implement these necessary reforms, ensuring every child has the chance to thrive.
The findings from this report serve as a crucial reminder of the work still needed to protect and promote the health of children in England. As experts call for a coordinated response, the health and futures of countless young people hang in the balance.
