Prevention of ill health

Prevention is an integral part of the solution to many of the problems that children face in the UK - from increasing mortality rates, to high prevalence of obesity, to widening social and health inequalities.

"Securing our healthy future: Prevention is better than cure"

Set in the context of a political deprioritisation of children and young people within the UK Government’s current health agenda, this report, published by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges in September 2023, makes the case for prioritising the prevention of ill health in childhood.

View full report on Academy of Medical Royal College's website

Evidence on child health outcomes

State of Child Health is our landmark report into the health and wellbeing of children and young people in the UK. This looks at three indicators around prevention of ill health: immunisations, healthy weight and oral health.

Evidence

Government paper on health prevention

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)'s green paper in 2019, "Advancing our health: prevention in the 2020s", included proposals to tackle the causes of preventable ill health in England - looking at services, choices and conditions.

Our summary

Our response

We responded to the consultation on this green paper. We were supportive of many of the Government's ambitious plans, but noted the need for sufficient funding and cross-government focus on improving the social conditions in which people are born and live.

Our response

News about public health and prevention

All news

Media response

6 May 2026

RCPCH respond to reports of dangerous sleep advice given to parents by self-described experts

A BBC investigation has found that unqualified “infant sleep experts” are recommending dangerous practices to parents and carers.

Repeated icons: bar chart; stethoscope; baby; hospital; parent and child

Press release

9 April 2026

Paediatricians urge political parties to consider children ahead of Scotland election

230 paediatricians have issued a plea to Scottish political parties to take strong and decisive action children’s health in the lead up to the May elections.

President's update

25 March 2026

Turning policy into practice - President's update

Health systems across the world are under growing pressure as patterns of illness shift, particularly with rising non-communicable diseases and mental health needs. Steve notes that the Westminster government’s new framework sets out how care can move closer to home, and welcomes the recognition of ...