NI has highest infant mortality rate in UK, doctors warn

Northern Ireland now reports the highest infant mortality rate in the United Kingdom, according to paediatricians. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) released a briefing highlighting this concerning trend, urging regional stakeholders to take immediate action. The UK State of Child Health 2026 report provides a comprehensive analysis of child health indicators across the UK, with Northern Ireland's data revealing a troubling upward trend in infant mortality.

The RCPCH notes that infant mortality in Northern Ireland has risen from 4.2 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2018 to 4.5 per 1,000 in 2024. The analysis reveals that these stark disparities are particularly pronounced in the most deprived areas, marking Northern Ireland as having the highest infant mortality rate in the entire UK.

Furthermore, the report indicates that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination uptake has been declining since 2020, with only 86% of children receiving both doses by the age of five. The data also shows that Northern Ireland has the lowest uptake of the 6-in-1 childhood vaccine in the UK, and more than a third (34.7%) of 11- to 12-year-olds were classified as overweight or obese in 2023/24.

The RCPCH expressed concern over the worsening mental health indicators in the region, with an estimated 45.2% of 16-year-olds showing signs of probable mental illness, and wellbeing among 11-year-olds reaching its lowest recorded level since 2010. The political instability and reduced investment in healthcare services over the past years have contributed to the current challenges faced by paediatricians in Northern Ireland.

The RCPCH has outlined a clear roadmap for the next Executive to address these issues, emphasizing the need for a sustainable workforce, data-informed systems, equitable investment, and tackling the root causes of poor health and inequality. Dr. Thomas Bourke, RCPCH officer for Ireland, warned that without urgent intervention, the current trajectory could lead to one of the unhealthiest generations of children in decades.

The RCPCH calls on all political parties to prioritize child health before the upcoming Northern Ireland election, emphasizing that meaningful change is possible with leadership, commitment, and investment in essential services for children and families.