1 IN 4 ULSTER KIDS LIVING IN POVERTY

Concerns over harmful health effects of poor backgrounds

ALMOST one in four children in Northern Ireland live in poverty, a report revealed yesterday. It added the large number with deprived backgrounds is having a harmful impact on the well-being of the country’s young people. Dr Karl Mckeever, from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said: “We can’t afford to ignore the fact child health is not as good as it should be in Northern Ireland. “Poverty is having a devastating effect on families, with smoking and drinking alcohol, poor mental health and obesity among children and young people all more likely to affect those from the most deprived backgrounds.” The organisation’s State Of Child Health Northern Ireland study found an estimated 23% of youngsters are reported to live in poverty. It also revealed 28% of children are overweight or obese and just under 30% of babies at six weeks receive any breastmilk, the lowest level in the UK The study drew together data on 25 measures of child health, ranging from specific conditions such as asthma, diabetes and epilepsy, through to risk factors including obesity, low breastfeeding rates, and mortality. Dr Mckeever, RCPCH officer for Ireland, said: “Today we’re bringing together experts from across the health sector, and beyond, to agree how child health should be prioritised and how we can ensure these issues are high on the political agenda. “The current political vacuum makes it difficult to enact policy change. “But, ultimately, the state of child health will not improve without bold action from policy makers to ensure every child, no matter where they are born, has the best possible chance of leading a healthy life.” The report makes a series of recommendations, including: ■ Implementation of a child poverty strategy in Northern Ireland ■ Introduce proposed ban on smoking in cars when children are present ■ Bring in minimum unit pricing for alcohol ■ Regular surveys commissioned by the Executive to identify the prevalence of mental health problems among children and young people in order to aid the planning of mental health care services, and ■ Appropriate mental health support offered in all primary and post primary schools in Northern Ireland. Dr Mckeever added: “Many of the illnesses that appear in adults have their roots in childhood, so by investing and intervening early, we’re much more likely to create a healthier population.” ■ Visit www.rcpch.ac.uk/state-of-childhealth for further information.

CONCERNS Report said our political vacuum has hit child policies