Get the stories that matter to you sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter. Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Scotland's children are among the least healthy in Europe because of poverty, according to a major study.

The State of Child Health ­Scotland report found more than 210,000 children are living in need, 28 per cent are overweight or obese, and about 400 die each year – many of them avoidable.

Experts called for more action to tackle smoking, obesity and child mortality – and a new drive to tackle the widening health inequality gap.

The report, by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, looked at 25 health rates such as asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, obesity, breastfeeding and mortality, to provide a snapshot of well-being.

There were some positive notes – Scotland has high vaccination rates, comparatively few cases of tooth decay and a decline in suicide rates among young people.

But the report warned: “Child health in Scotland is amongst the poorest in western Europe.”

One figure highlighted by the report revealed that almost 30 per cent of pregnant women in the most deprived areas are smokers.

Dr Steve Turner, RCPCH officer for Scotland, said: “The Scottish Government have said children are a priority, and the focus on strong early years ­provision is heartening.

“But there are significant gaps and the problem of health inequalities is continuing to grow.

“It is startling that more than 29 per cent of pregnant women in the most deprived areas are smokers, compared with 4.5 per cent in the least deprived, putting babies at risk of complications in pregnancy and birth and increasing the ­likelihood of cot death or stillbirth.

“Before a child is even born they are set on a path to ill health. This cannot be allowed to continue.”

The report called for a smoking ban on school grounds, sports fields and playgrounds, raising ­awareness of the benefits of ­breastfeeding and measuring child health rates more regularly.

Monica Lennon, Labour’s inequalites ­spokeswoman, said the findings were “simply appalling”.

She added: “This report ­highlights the failings of the SNP’s decade in power to halt the impact deprivation has on issues from smoking to breastfeeding.

“Another £327million of cuts to schools and social care ­departments across Scotland will only make this worse. We need to take a different path.”

(Image: Getty Images)

Lib Dem MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton said: “Experts are right to warn that unless we take action now then some children’s lives will be irrevocably damaged.

“To kick this issue down the road is to doom another generation to ill health and reduced prospects.”

The Scottish Government said they are committed to ensuring the best start for children and hailed progress in changing relationships with tobacco and alcohol.

Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell said: “Our children’s health should be a priority for all. This is why this Government have committed to ensuring the best start for all our children.

“The report recommendations provide focus to develop this. We look forward to working with RCPCH to take this forward.”