The UK government has come under severe criticism for overseeing what experts term an “appalling decline” in child health in recent years, marked by escalating rates of obesity and tooth decay, according to a report by The Academy of Medical Sciences. The report emphasizes the pressing need for “urgent action” to address the worsening physical and mental health of children under five in Britain.
Professor Helen Minnis, co-chair of the report and an academic at Glasgow University, expressed concerns over the rising child death rates, lagging infant survival compared to other nations, and the prevalence of preventable physical and mental health issues among the youngest citizens.
The study reveals alarming statistics, noting that over a fifth of five-year-olds are overweight or obese, and one in four children suffer from tooth decay. The estimated cost of poor infant health is projected to be at least £16 billion annually.
The report also raises concerns about vaccination rates in the UK falling below World Health Organization safety thresholds, posing a threat to the country’s defenses against potential outbreaks of dangerous childhood diseases.
As calls for improved access to childhood vaccines intensify among medical professionals, the report’s findings highlight the urgent need to address rising hesitancy toward vaccinations in some local communities.
The decline in international rankings for child height and obesity is expected to become a focal point in the upcoming general election, with the Labour Party attributing the highest cause of hospital admissions for children aged six to 10 to tooth decay. They hold Conservative government policies responsible for contributing to the deterioration of children’s health.
Professor Minnis urged immediate action, stating, “The science is clear — we are betraying our children. Unless the health of babies and young children is urgently prioritized, we condemn many to a life of poorer health and lost potential. The time to act is now.”
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health echoed these concerns, describing the report as providing “alarming evidence that the UK is failing too many of its children.”
In response, a government spokesperson defended their efforts, citing initiatives such as a significant reduction in sugar in children’s foods, a £600 million investment to enhance the quality of sports for children, and schemes promoting healthy diets for families from lower-income households. They also highlighted a £2.3 billion annual investment in mental health services, noting a 14% increase in the number of children seen by NHS dentists last year.
