The UK’s global standing in child and young people’s health and how GPs can help

This special issue on child health comes at a crucial time for children and young people (CYP) in the UK. With over one-third of British children living in poverty according to one measure,¹ there is fierce debate about how we can ensure that these key formative years give CYP the best possible start.² The issue has gained further impetus from recent high-profile reports highlighting the health and wellbeing of Britain’s CYP compared to their European and global counterparts,^3,4 and a damning judgement on child poverty in the UK by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights.⁵ Notwithstanding the limitations of international comparisons, this article describes the UK’s global position in CYP health and suggests tangible actions that GPs can take to help improve outcomes.