Member News
By Joseph J. Mager - 3rd February 2010
An Audit Commission report has found the government's initiative to improve the health of children younger than five has been unsuccessful.
Although the government has developed over 20 policies relating to the health of under-fives, most relate to children up to the age of 19 as well as the wider population.
The Audit Commission's report, 'Giving children a healthy start', confirms that £10.9bn has been spent on such programmes but has not produced widespread improvement in the healthcare for under-fives.
In some cases health conditions have worsened, particularly in relation to obesity and dental health in young children.
And health inequalities between rich and poor families have not shifted in England, one of the major goals of the programmes.
"Children under five years living in deprived areas are eight per cent more likely to be obese; nine per cent more likely to be of a low birth weight; and 12 per cent more likely to have an accident than those living in the rest of England," said the watchdog.
The Audit Commission also found that children from black and minority ethnic (BME) groups, lone parents, and young parents (under 21) have poorer health outcomes. This may be due to parents lacking awareness of mainstream health services or a cultural preference in particular areas of England.
A review of the barriers which exist between minority groups and local health programmes found that every group expressed dislike for the "judgemental nature of health professionals".
BME groups, lone and young parents also cited language barriers, depression, and embarrassment as issues.
The commission said: "Local bodies need to tailor and target their service provision appropriately for these groups. But few local authorities and primary care trusts in our research had a rigorous approach to identifying the take-up of existing services and addressing any gaps."
Some local authorities are helping marginalised groups through special services including translators, awareness programs and reoccurring health visits.
The National Childbirth Trust (NCT) welcomed the report and expressed deep concern about the continued inequalities affecting under-fives.
Rosie Dodds, NCT public policy officer, said: "Our feeling is that much more could be done to reach out and include vulnerable and marginalised families who are not keen to ‘attend' and access these services for themselves."
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