The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) Ireland has produced a Northern Ireland focused briefing following its recently launched UK State of Child Health 2026 report.
The briefing provides a clear and comprehensive overview of children’s health across the four nations of the UK, analysing progress against 12 key child health indicators, such as infant mortality, mental health, obesity, immunisation, and asthma.
The analysis of Northern Ireland data shows:
- Infant mortality in Northern Ireland has increased from 4.2 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2018 to 4.5 per 1,000 in 2024. Rates are highest in the most deprived areas, and Northern Ireland now has the highest infant mortality rate in the UK.
- MMR vaccination uptake has fallen steadily since 2020. By age five, just 86% of children had received both doses of the MMR vaccine.
- Northern Ireland has the lowest uptake of the 6-in-1 childhood vaccine in the UK.
- More than a third of 11 to 12-year-olds (34.7%) were classified as overweight or obese in 2023/24.
- Mental health indicators are worsening. An estimated 45.2% of 16-year-olds have a probable mental illness, while wellbeing among 11-year-olds is at its lowest recorded level since 2010.
Since the first State of Child Health report in 2017, Northern Ireland has experienced several years without a functioning Executive. This turbulent political context, combined with an increase in the demands on paediatrics services, has contributed to lengthening waiting lists, expanding inequalities and a system under immense pressure.
Without urgent action, paediatricians are clear that we are potentially raising one of the unhealthiest generations of children in decades. Failure to improve child health today risks lifelong health problems, poorer educational outcomes, and entrenched inequalities.
In light of these issues and ahead of the 2027 elections in Northern Ireland, the College has set out a clear and achievable roadmap for the next Executive to advance child health. The manifesto focuses on building a sustainable workforce, creating a data-informed system, ensuring equitable investment in child health services and tackling the root causes of poor health and inequality. Together, they offer an opportunity to create a healthier future where every child has the best possible start in life.
Read RCPCH Irelands’ manifesto and State of Child Health briefing.
RCPCH Officer for Ireland, Dr Thomas Bourke, said:
The findings in this briefing should be a wake-up call for everyone in Northern Ireland. Across a range of key indicators, from infant mortality and obesity to mental health and vaccination uptake, we are seeing evidence that too many children are being let down.
Children are paying the price for years of political instability, underinvestment and a failure to prioritise their health and wellbeing. As paediatricians, we see the consequences of this shocking decline every day in our clinics, hospitals and communities.
Ahead of the next Northern Ireland election, we are calling on all political parties to make child health a priority. Meaningful change is possible, but it requires leadership, long-term commitment and investment in the services children and families rely on. Every child deserves the healthiest possible start in life, and we must act now to create a better future for children across Northern Ireland.