Child Deaths in England Surge Above Pre-Pandemic Levels, Study Reveals

A recent study published in the journal PLOS Medicine has highlighted a troubling rise in child mortality rates in England, with 258 more child deaths recorded in 2022-23 than anticipated based on pre-pandemic data. This marks a significant increase following a temporary decline during the COVID-19 lockdowns, where deaths were 377 lower than expected.

Researchers from the University of Bristol utilized data from the National Child Mortality Database to analyze trends over the past four years. They found that, while the death rate in the year following the pandemic (2021-22) was similar to pre-pandemic figures, the subsequent year saw a notable increase, particularly among children from non-white backgrounds who are now experiencing higher mortality rates than their white counterparts.

The surge in child deaths could be attributed to several factors, including the return of endemic diseases, the cessation of heightened health behaviors such as hand washing, and reduced social support for vulnerable families. Karen Luyt, a program director for the National Child Mortality Database, emphasized the need for action to address these inequalities and improve outcomes for all children.

The study also revealed that categories of child mortality including deaths from substance misuse, infections, and trauma have risen since the pandemic's onset. In terms of ethnicity, white children accounted for 61% of deaths in the most recent year, a decrease from earlier years, while the proportion of deaths among Asian and Black children increased.

As policymakers and health officials analyze these findings, experts are calling for targeted interventions to tackle the widening disparities and enhance child health and safety in England.