Belfast: Northern Ireland has the highest infant mortality rate in the UK and is facing growing concerns over child health, according to a new analysis by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH).
The report has highlighted a decline in childhood vaccination rates, rising levels of obesity and worsening mental health indicators, prompting paediatricians to warn that urgent action is needed to protect the health and wellbeing of children in the region.
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, with the highest rates recorded in the most deprived communities.
MMR vaccination coverage has also declined steadily since 2020. By the age of five, only 86 percent of children had received both recommended doses, while Northern Ireland has the lowest uptake in the UK for the 6-in-1 childhood vaccine, which protects against six serious diseases.
Obesity is another growing concern. In 2023/24, 34.7 percent of children aged 11 to 12 were classified as overweight or obese, according to the analysis.
Mental health indicators have also deteriorated. The RCPCH estimates that 45.2 percent of 16-year-olds have a probable mental illness, while wellbeing among 11-year-olds has fallen to its lowest recorded level since 2010.
The paediatric body highlighted that the findings should serve as a warning for policymakers, pointing to years of political instability, underinvestment and increasing pressure on health services.
Dr. Thomas Bourke, RCPCH officer for Ireland, said that the figures show that children are being affected by failures to prioritise health and wellbeing. He warned that the consequences of declining child health could extend into adulthood and contribute to lifelong health problems, poorer educational outcomes and persistent inequalities.
The RCPCH noted that Northern Ireland’s health system has faced significant pressure following several years without a functioning executive, alongside increasing demand for services. It called on political parties to make child health a priority.
The analysis follows the publication of the UK State of Child Health 2026 report, which assessed progress across 12 indicators, including infant mortality, mental health, obesity, immunisation and asthma.
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