The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health’s flagship report, updated in July 2026, provides a clear and comprehensive analysis of children’s health across the four nations of the UK. It assesses progress against 12 key indicators, including infant mortality, mental health, immunisations and obesity.
Nearly a decade after The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health published their first State of Child Health, outcomes for children have worsened or in some cases stagnated, reversing years of progress and evidencing limited improvements. The impact is felt most sharply in deprived areas and among ethnic minority communities.
The data is yet another warning sign to act. With up-to-date analysis and insight from paediatricians, State of Child Health is a roadmap for decision-makers across the UK. It outlines what is needed to achieve the ambition of the healthiest and happiest generation of children.
The report identifies three key themes that drive worsening outcomes for children and young people: