Ahead of the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) election on 7 May 2026, the RCPCH Wales team came together to determine what we need from the next Welsh Government to improve child health in Wales. Top of my list was action to reduce child poverty and more investment in early years.
Based on the RCPCH Wales survey of members to inform our manifesto and the many conversations I have had with colleagues, I know most of you will agree that reducing child poverty would be the most beneficial preventative measure the government could do to improve the lives of our patients and families.
The urgent need for action on child poverty
The widening gap between the rich and poor in the UK is damaging the health of our babies, children and young people. In Wales we have one of the highest rates of child poverty in the UK with a staggering 31% of children living in poverty. This translates to approximately 190,000 children - and rises to 45% of children aged 0-4.
Statistics and numbers aside, as paediatricians we see the devastating impact of poverty every day. It’s the child with a poor diet because parents are unable to afford healthy food, resulting in malnutrition, obesity and poor dental health. Or the child with respiratory complications because of worsening damp and other housing conditions. And it's the absent child because their parent couldn’t afford the cost of getting them to the appointment.
Every child deserves the healthiest and best possible start in life, but the level of systematic and inter-generational poverty currently in Wales is significantly damaging children’s chances. Supporting families out of poverty is the single greatest thing a government could do to ensure every child has a chance to thrive. Let’s not forget, poverty is a political choice and action needs to be taken.
In our manifesto, Putting Children First, we’ve told the next Welsh Government how they can address poverty and reduce the overwhelming health inequalities children are facing. We’ve included recommendations to introduce a Welsh equivalent of the Scottish Child Payment, expanding Free School Meal provision and fully enacting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
Early years investment
Alongside addressing poverty, our manifesto emphasises the need for more early years intervention and support for families. The first 1,000 days set the foundations of a child’s life and we cannot underestimate the importance of this. While we as paediatricians can offer advice, support and medical intervention, often by the time a child comes to see us for a number of the big issues, the horse has already bolted. Investment in early years support and education for parents and families could prevent so many of the issues we see in later years.
Included in our manifesto is an ask for the next Government to implement the Public Health Wales Early Years Framework for Action, which RCPCH Wales was involved in developing. The framework sets out best practice and what actions can be taken by the government, but also at a regional and local level too. Everyone has a role in supporting babies and children to become the healthiest generation and fulfil their UNCRC rights. For me that means raising children up the political agenda and getting the next Welsh Government to deliver on our calls.
While the primary focus of this blog is about how to deliver better health outcomes for children in Wales, we cannot ignore the reality that around the world children are bearing the brunt of conflict and serious humanitarian crisis. In such circumstances, adherence to international humanitarian and human rights law is imperative and must be respected by all parties. As a College, we advocate for the best interests of children, young people and paediatricians around the world. As paediatricians we can do the same, striving to deliver for all, reduce inequalities and advocating for the best outcomes for all children.
Dr Dana Beasley
RCPCH Deputy Officer for Wales