NI has highest infant mortality rate in UK, paediatricians warn
Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health says report should be a ‘wake-up call’ for everyone
Northern Ireland has the highest infant mortality rate in the UK, according to paediatricians. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) issued a warning that this should be a "wake-up call" for everyone. The RCPCH's recent briefing, based on the UK State of Child Health 2026 report, shows 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 highest rates are found in the most deprived areas, making Northern Ireland now the UK's worst performer in this area. The RCPCH also noted a decline in MMR vaccination uptake, with only 86% of children receiving both doses by age five. Additionally, Northern Ireland has the lowest 6-in-1 childhood vaccine uptake in the UK, and 34.7% of 11- to 12-year-olds were obese in 2023/24.
The RCPCH also highlighted worsening mental health indicators, with 45.2% of 16-year-olds having a probable mental illness, and the lowest wellbeing scores among 11-year-olds since 2010. The college attributes these problems to the lack of a functioning Executive in Northern Ireland and the increased demands on paediatric services.
The RCPCH has outlined a roadmap for the next Executive to improve child health, focusing on workforce sustainability, data-informed systems, equitable investment, and addressing the root causes of poor health and inequality. They emphasize that without urgent action, Northern Ireland risks raising one of the unhealthiest generations of children in decades.
Written by urgent.news from The Irish Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
