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Children’s health in Wales has been described as “shocking” by paediatric experts, who warn that the wellbeing of young people is deteriorating or stagnating in several important areas. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) in Wales emphasized the urgent need for action, cautioning that without it, the country faces the prospect of raising among the unhealthiest generations in decades. This crisis is disproportionately impacting the most deprived communities.
A recent analysis underlying the warning examined 12 crucial indicators, such as infant mortality, mental health, obesity rates, vaccination coverage, and asthma prevalence. The findings revealed that vaccination uptake has dropped below recommended targets, with very few routine childhood vaccines achieving the desired 95% coverage. Additionally, dental health concerns are prominent, with over a quarter (27%) of children aged five to six experiencing visible tooth decay in 2024-25; the condition is nearly twice as common in children from deprived areas compared to those in less deprived ones. Obesity among young children is also at its highest recorded level, with 27.3% of four- to five-year-olds overweight or living with obesity—the highest rate across the UK’s four nations. Further, an estimated 135,000 children and young people in Wales have diagnosable mental health conditions, including one in four individuals aged 17 to 24.
Public sentiment reflects these challenges, with concern among parents and caregivers about the state of child health services. According to a YouGov poll commissioned for the report, only 27% of respondents believe the Welsh government is doing enough to support child health, while 18% feel that NHS spending on this area is appropriate. The cost-of-living crisis is widely perceived as detrimental to child health, with about two-thirds of respondents acknowledging its negative effects. The college urged the Welsh government, led by Plaid Cymru, to fulfill its manifesto promise by developing a comprehensive Children’s Health Plan. This plan should prioritize data quality, measurable targets, and adequate investment to address these pressing issues.
Dr. Lizzy Nickerson, co-officer for the RCPCH in Wales, stressed the need for a bold and transparent strategy focused on prevention, early intervention, and reducing inequalities. She stated, “Wales urgently needs a clear and ambitious Children’s Health Plan that puts prevention, early intervention and reducing inequalities at its heart,” adding that such a plan must be evidence-based, shaped by clinicians’ expertise and the experiences of children and young people. Children’s Commissioner Rocio Cifuentes echoed these concerns, highlighting the widening health inequalities and inconsistent access to essential services. She emphasized that many children receive support too late and face difficulties accessing mental health and dental care, with healthy options often not being the easiest to choose. A Welsh government spokesperson responded by highlighting existing policies aimed at improving child health, emphasizing the importance of early years development, vaccination, and mental health support. They confirmed ongoing considerations for enhancing national focus on the health of babies, children, and young people, ensuring prevention, early intervention, and integrated service delivery remain central to future strategies
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