The National Child Mortality Database realised its 2022-23 annual report: Child death data release 2023 | National Child Mortality Database (ncmd.info). The report noted that child death rates are rising, and that the data illustrates the growing challenges of child poverty and health inequalities.
This was covered in the media including on BBC News: Child death rates on the rise in England – BBC News
The data shows estimates of 3,743 deaths in children in the year ending March 2023 – up from 3,452 the previous year, with deaths highest for children of black or black British ethnicity, and those living in the poorest areas.
The figures suggested the steepest rise in deaths was for children under five and that rising child poverty is a major concern. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) are quoted in the BBC piece, saying these statistics were “devastating” and that more must be done to make child poverty a national priority.