Early Years
Infant Feeding
Why is it important?
Increases in breastfeeding are expected to reduce illness in young children, have health benefits for the infant and the mother and result in cost savings to the NHS through reduced hospital admission for the treatment of infection in infants. Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for infants in the first stages of life. There is evidence that babies who are breast fed experience lower levels of gastro-intestinal and respiratory infection. Observational studies have shown that breastfeeding is associated with lower levels of child obesity.
PHE Fingertips page:
Infant Mortality
Why is it important?
Infant mortality is an indicator of the general health of an entire population. It reflects the relationship between causes of infant mortality and upstream determinants of population health such as economic, social and environmental conditions. Deaths occurring during the first 28 days of life (the neonatal period) in particular, are considered to reflect the health and care of both mother and newborn. Reducing infant mortality overall and the gap between the richest and poorest groups are part of the Government’s strategy for public health (Healthy Lives, Healthy People: Our Strategy for Public Health November 2010)
PHE Fingertips page:
Accidents and injuries
Why is it important?
Injuries are a leading cause of hospitalisation and represent a major cause of premature mortality for children and young people. They are also a source of long-term health issues, including mental health related to experiences
PHE Fingertips page:
Immunisations & Vaccinations
Why is it important?
Vaccination coverage is the best indicator of the level of protection a population will have against vaccine preventable communicable diseases. Coverage is closely correlated with levels of disease. Monitoring coverage identifies possible drops in immunity before levels of disease rise.
NHS Digital Interactive resource:
PHE Fingertips page: