Britain's Child Health Record: A Shocking Truth

The British Medical Association has released a devastating report, "Growing Up In Britain", revealing that Britain's record on child health is one of the worst in the civilised world. The report shows that seven British children in 1,000 are likely to die from illness, disease, or in an accident, making it the 18th worst in the league table of child death rates. This is a staggering reality, considering the United States, a country with a more developed economy, has a significantly better record, ranking 29th with 8 deaths per 1,000.

Key Takeaways:

• Britain's child death rate is seven in 1,000, ranking 18th in the league table, with the safest country being Sweden with a death rate of four in 1,000.
• Children from the poorest homes are four times more likely to die than those from well-off families.
• The average monthly wage in Slovenia, a country with a better child health record, is just £330, compared to £1,666 in Britain.
• The report highlights the growing gap between the rich and poor in Britain, with the richest fifth of children being six times more likely to reach adulthood in good health, compared to the poorest fifth.
• Children from hard-up homes are more likely to be fed an unhealthy diet, lacking key vitamins and minerals, making them more prone to sickness and disease.
• More than 80% of babies born into well-off homes are breastfed, compared to just 44% from the poorest homes.
• The report demands better health education programmes, including nutrition and car seatbelt safety, to address the alarming health inequalities faced by Britain's children.

Statistics:

• 7 British children in 1,000 are likely to die from illness, disease, or in an accident.
• Sweden has a child death rate of four deaths per 1,000.
• Slovenia has a child death rate of six deaths per 1,000.
• The average monthly wage in Slovenia is £330.
• The average monthly wage in Britain is £1,666.
• 44% of babies from the poorest homes are breastfed.
• 80% of babies from well-off homes are breastfed.
• The richest fifth of children are six times more likely to reach adulthood in good health, compared to the poorest fifth.

Sources:

• "Growing Up In Britain", British Medical Association.
• "Britain's Child Health Record: A Shocking Truth", published in The Guardian.