The State of Child Health report shows the UK has some of the worst outcomes for children in Europe in terms of 12 health indicators.

RCPCH officer for health improvement, Dr Helen Stewart, said: ‘The UK's record on children's health should be a national embarrassment. 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.'

The report found in England:

• only 84% of children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine by age five, well below the World Health Organization's 95% target
• more than one in three (36%) children aged 10–11 is overweight or obese
• one in five children aged 8–16 has a probable mental health disorder
• children in the most deprived areas are four times more likely to die from asthma
• infant mortality in the most deprived communities is more than double that seen in the least deprived areas
• tooth decay affecting 22% of five year olds in 2024, costing NHS £74.8m in extractions,  with progress stalling since 2020.

The calls for the new Prime Minister to set out how they will make children's health a priority through sustained investment, better use of data and clear national targets within their first 100 days.

Reaction

Professor Martyn Cobourne, dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons of England, said: ‘The state of children's oral health across the UK is a serious cause for concern, with this report showing the reality that the place where a child grows up represents a significant determinant on their health.'

Sarah Woolnough, chief executive at The King's Fund, 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.

Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor, chair of the Local Government Association's Health and Wellbeing Committee, said: ‘We support the calls for child health to be made a national priority by the Government, alongside investment in children's preventative services and workforce, so every child has the best start in life.'

Leigh Elliott, chief executive of Children North East, said: ‘Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up happy and healthy and able to fulfil their potential, regardless of their background. We welcome this report's call for urgent action and hope it encourages governments, public services and communities to work together to tackle the root causes of health inequality. Children simply cannot afford for us to wait.'

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.'