Another warning about children's health getting worse

A recent report about the health of children in the UK has highlighted that children are becoming unhealthier. Experts from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health have called this a national embarrassment. However, some readers pointed out that a key factor in children's health is being ignored: the shrinking number of health visitors.

Health visitors are nurses who support families with young children. They are seen as the main support for early years development and a safety net for all families. These trusted professionals work with families to improve health and reduce differences in health between people from different backgrounds. They are the only service that visits babies and children in their homes.

Many of the health problems mentioned in the report, such as issues with birth outcomes, falling immunisation rates, and foundations for healthy development, are areas where health visitors can make a big difference. They also help with safeguarding children, supporting parents, and addressing the social reasons that affect health.

Sadly, the health visitor profession is in trouble. There are 45% fewer health visitors now compared to 2015. This means families are getting less preventive support because of years of not enough investment. To improve children's health and create more equal opportunities, increasing investment in health visiting services must be a top priority.

The problems with children's health are also linked to deeper issues like poverty and inequality. Children in poorer areas have higher rates of infant mortality, obesity, and mental health problems. Their health is affected by whether families can afford good food, live in decent homes, and are free from the stress of poverty.

Years of budget cuts and the rising cost of living have led to poorer health outcomes for children. These problems continue into adulthood, leading to shorter healthy life expectancies. The gap between rich and poor children is growing due to political decisions. Addressing poverty and improving public services would help children's health more than just setting new medical targets.