Northern Ireland has highest infant mortality rate in UK, say paediatricians

Northern Ireland has the highest infant mortality rate in the UK - and could be raising one of the unhealthiest generations of children in decades, paediatricians have said.

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 data shows infant mortality has increased from 4.2 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2018 to 4.5 per 1,000 in 2024 - with rates highest in the most deprived areas.

Figures revealed that MMR vaccination uptake has fallen steadily since 2020.

The RCPCH said by the age of five, just 86% of children had received both doses of the MMR vaccine.

It also said that Northern Ireland has the lowest uptake in the UK of the 6-in-1 childhood vaccine, which helps to protect children against six serious illnesses.

More than a third of 11 to 12-year-olds (34.7%) were classified as overweight or obese in 2023/24.

The RCPCH also said that mental health indicators in the region are worsening.

An estimated 45.2% of 16-year-olds have a probable mental illness, while wellbeing among 11-year-olds is at its lowest recorded level since 2010.

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Paediatricians said several years without a functioning Northern Ireland executive along with increasing demand on services has placed the system "under immense pressure" - and called on all political parties to "make child health a priority".

The RCPCH said: "Without urgent action, paediatricians are clear that we are potentially raising one of the unhealthiest generations of children in decades.

"Failure to improve child health today risks lifelong health problems, poorer educational outcomes and entrenched inequalities."

'Children paying the price for political instability'

RCPCH officer for Ireland, Dr Thomas Bourke, said: "The findings in this briefing should be a wake-up call for everyone in Northern Ireland.

"Across a range of key indicators, from infant mortality and obesity to mental health and vaccination uptake, we are seeing evidence that too many children are being let down.

"Children are paying the price for years of political instability, underinvestment and a failure to prioritise their health and wellbeing.

"As paediatricians, we see the consequences of this shocking decline every day in our clinics, hospitals and communities."

The analysis of Northern Ireland data comes after the recent launch of the UK State of Child Health 2026 report, which looked at progress against 12 child health indicators, such as infant mortality, mental health, obesity, immunisation, and asthma.

(c) Sky News 2026: Northern Ireland has highest infant mortality rate in UK, say paediatricians