The King's Fund responds to the RCPCH report

Responding to the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health’s (RCPCH) State of Child Health report, Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive at The King’s Fund, said:

“This report should serve 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.

“Reversing that trend requires long-term commitment and co-ordinated action across government from health, education, housing and social policy, with children’s wellbeing placed at the heart of decision-making.

“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.

“There is much to welcome in the RCPCH’s call for clearer national targets, better data and greater accountability for improving children’s health. As governments look to shift health systems towards prevention and tackle long-standing health inequalities, improving outcomes for children and young people must be a priority. Investing in children’s health is not only the right thing for young people and their families, but also one of the most important investments we can make in the nation’s future health and prosperity.”

Notes to editors

The King’s Fund has partnered with the children’s charity Barnardo’s to host the conference “Working together to raise the healthiest generation of children and young people: how do we build the village of today?” on 1 December. Registration for the event is open via the Eventbrite link here.