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Northern Ireland has highest infant mortality rate in UK, say paediatricians
The region has the UK’s highest infant mortality rate and falling vaccine uptake, with 34.7% of 11- to 12-year-olds overweight or obese, the RCPCH said.
- The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health released a Northern Ireland-focused briefing showing infant mortality increased from 4.2 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2018 to 4.5 in 2024, now the highest rate in the region.
- Since the 2017 State of Child Health report, Northern Ireland has experienced years without a functioning Executive. The RCPCH said 'Children paying price for political instability,' citing underinvestment and service pressure as contributors to the decline.
- Their analysis reveals vaccination and mental health challenges: by age five, 86% of children received both MMR vaccine doses, while 45.2% of 16-year-olds have probable mental illness and 34.7% of 11- to 12-year-olds were classified as overweight or obese in 2023/24.
- Thomas Bourke, RCPCH officer for Ireland, called the findings a 'wake-up call,' stating, '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, the RCPCH urges political parties to prioritize Child Health. Bourke emphasized 'Meaningful change is possible,' but requires long-term commitment so 'Every child deserves the healthiest possible start in life.
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Northern Ireland Has Highest Infant Mortality Rate In UK, Say Paediatricians
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) also revealed the region’s MMR vaccination uptake has steadily fallen, while nearly half of 16-year-olds have a probable mental illness. Results from the RCPCH analysis should act as a “wake-up call” for the region with experts warning “too many children are being let down”. Northern Ireland […]
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Total News Sources5
Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution75% Center
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources are Center
75% Center
L 25%
C 75%
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