Monday, October 15, 2018

Infant mortality rises

Children in England are more likely to die in infancy than their European counterparts and are set to be left further behind on a range of health measures unless the government and NHS act now, a major report warns.
Infant mortality is nearly a third higher in England than the average of the EU15+ countries – EU member states prior to 2004 plus Australia, Canada and Norway.
This means four children in every 1,000 born in England did not live to see their first birthday, while the EU average was around 2.8 per 1,000 births in 2015.
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) report warns infant deaths actually began increasing in 2015 and 2016 and, unless corrected, infant mortality rates will be 140 per cent higher in England by 2030.
Mental health problems among young people are set to rise by 60 per cent in the same period and 30 per cent of boys in England will be severely obese.
The RCPCH identified poverty “lies at the root” of many of these ill health indicators and infant mortality increases were more pronounced in more deprived areas. particularly with regard to mental health and nutrition.
RCPCH president professor Russell Viner, said: “Child poverty is predicted to increase by up to 40 per cent over the next decade, which, if true, may make our predictions underestimates of the degree to which the UK will fall behind other wealthy countries. This report clearly identifies the danger on the horizon."
“After 100 years of decline, the rise in infant mortality in England in recent years is really concerning and a clear sign that urgent action must be taken now if we are to see improvements to children’s health in the future,” said Dr Gary Wannan, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and member of the British Medical Association consultants committee. We can no longer regard ourselves as one of the leading healthcare providers in Europe, and indeed across the world, if we lag behind so significantly in provision for young people."
Nigel Edwards, chief executive of the Nuffield Trust health policy think tank said,  “Today’s warnings from the RCPCH should set alarm bells ringing for anyone who cares about the future of some of the youngest and most vulnerable members of society.”

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