A new report reveals that children in England are facing some of the worst health outcomes in Europe, with a significant decline in their health and wellbeing over the past 15 years. The study, conducted by the Institute of Health Equity (IHE) in collaboration with the children’s charity Barnardo’s, highlights alarming trends and calls for immediate action from the health system to address these issues.
According to the findings, inequities in health outcomes have been widening among children based on socio-economic status and ethnic background. In his foreword to the report, noted health expert Professor Sir Michael Marmot emphasized the urgency of the situation. He stated, “England is failing its children,” and pointed out that many are growing up in inadequate living conditions, such as cold and overcrowded homes, while experiencing food insecurity and exposure to polluted air.
The report underscores that these factors, known as the social determinants of health, greatly influence not only childhood experiences but also long-term health and life opportunities. The Children and Young People’s Health Equity Collaborative (CHEC), which includes the IHE, Barnardo’s, and local health authorities, aims to illustrate how the healthcare system can enhance the social determinants impacting children’s health.
Initiatives to Improve Child Health
Launched at an event focused on child health at The King’s Fund, the report outlines various initiatives where the National Health Service (NHS) has collaborated with charities and community organizations to support children in disadvantaged areas. For instance, a program in Cheshire and Merseyside helped parents foster bonds with their children and ensure their readiness for school. Additionally, an after-school club in Rotherham significantly improved children’s emotional wellbeing.
The report makes several recommendations, accompanied by a new framework to aid local health systems in enhancing children’s health across multiple sectors, including housing and education. Rukshana Kapasi, director of health, quality, and inclusion at Barnardo’s, remarked, “Every day across Barnardo’s services, we see children who are full of potential but held back by circumstances they cannot control.” She highlighted that poverty, unsafe housing, and unequal access to support are critical barriers preventing children from enjoying a healthy childhood.
Kapasi concluded by asserting the need for national leadership to drive the necessary changes, stating, “We simply don’t think that’s fair. Our report and findings released today show that change is possible. Now we need national leadership to scale that change, so that every child has the opportunity to thrive.”
This report not only reveals the troubling state of child health in England but also serves as a rallying cry for policymakers and health officials to take decisive action. Addressing the underlying causes of health disparities is essential for ensuring that all children in England have the chance to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
