Britain is ‘betraying’ its children and creating an economic time bomb by not giving them a healthy start in life, a damning report claims

Britain is ‘betraying’ children and creating an economic time bomb by not giving them a healthy start in life, a damning report claims today.

The Academy of Medical Sciences says lives are being destroyed by increasingly unhealthy childhoods.

The body, which represents leading health scientists, is urging politicians to take action now to boost children’s wellbeing, with a focus on the period from conception to their fifth birthday.

The report warns that failing to address their education in this ‘crucial’ window risks creating a generation with more long-term illnesses, which will put enormous economic pressure on the country.

The Academy’s article, ‘Prioritising early childhood to promote the country’s health, wellbeing and prosperity’, estimates the cost of inaction at at least £16 billion per year.

The report highlights a range of worrying health trends, including a decline in vaccination rates and rising rates of preventable tooth decay and obesity

It highlights a range of worrying health trends, including ‘declining infant mortality’, a decline in vaccination rates, rising obesity and preventable tooth decay.

The report argues that frontloading investments in the early years provide lifelong benefits by laying a healthy foundation.

It is argued that early childhood is a cost-effective time to intervene because physically and mentally healthy children are likely to grow into healthy, productive adults.

The KNAW states: ‘The messages from our report are urgent because health is seriously threatened in the early years. Infant survival rates in Britain have stalled in recent years. Other child health figures point in a similar direction.

‘The prevalence of obesity is increasing, mental health demands for children are growing, breastfeeding rates are among the lowest among comparable high-income countries, the majority of vaccination rates have fallen below recommended levels and tooth extractions due to preventable tooth decay remains a problem. main reason for hospital admission of children.

‘The decline in children’s health and wellbeing is being exacerbated by the rise in the cost of living and the Covid-19 pandemic.

‘The most disadvantaged are hit hardest, widening health inequalities that persist throughout life and are often passed on to subsequent generations.’

The decline in child health was further exacerbated by Covid-19 and the cost of living crisis, the report said

The report was co-chaired by Professor Helen Minnis of the University of Glasgow

Co-chair of the report, Professor Helen Minnis from the University of Glasgow, said: ‘Every child has the right to a healthy childhood. It’s a shame that Britain doesn’t offer this.

“Infant mortality is rising, infant survival rates lag behind comparable countries, and preventable health problems plague our youngest citizens.

“The science is clear: we are betraying our children. Unless the health of babies and young children is prioritized, we are condemning many to a life of poorer health and lost potential. Now is the time to take action.’

Fellow co-chair Professor Sir Andrew Pollard of the University of Oxford said: ‘It is time for a clear strategy from government to protect the health and life chances of our children today and transform the future of our nation.’

Dr. Mike McKean, vice-president of the Royal College of Paediatrics, said: ‘We are presiding over a child health crisis that requires urgent action. As pediatricians, we witness the devastating consequences of these system errors every day.

‘The time for excuses is over – the government must act decisively to tackle this crisis.’