UNICEF Report Finds Large Gaps in Child Health and Academic Outcomes Between Rich and Poor Households in Wealthy Countries

A UNICEF report published on 12 May 2026 shows that economic inequality in wealthy countries is directly linked to worse physical health and poorer academic outcomes for children. The UNICEF Office of Strategy and Evidence – Innocenti released Report Card 20: Unequal Chances – Children and economic inequality in Florence and New York.

The analysis examined the relationship between economic inequalities and children’s wellbeing in 44 OECD and high-income countries.

On average across those countries, households among the top 20 per cent of earners take home over five times more than the bottom 20 per cent. Almost one in five children live in income poverty on average across the countries. 7 times more likely to be overweight than those living in the most equal countries.

The report highlighted data from European Union countries showing that only 58 per cent of children in families among the bottom fifth of earners are in very good health, compared with 73 per cent of children in families among the top fifth of earners.

Economic inequality also affects educational performance. Children in the most unequal countries have a 65 per cent chance of leaving school without basic proficiency in reading and mathematics.

On average, 83 per cent of 15-year-olds in families among the top fifth of earners have basic proficiency in mathematics and reading.

“Inequality profoundly affects how children learn, what they eat, and how they feel about life,” said Bo Viktor Nylund, Director of UNICEF Innocenti. “To limit the worst impacts of inequality, we need urgently to invest more in the health, nutrition and education of children in the most deprived communities,” Bo Viktor Nylund added.

The report calls for improving safety nets including family and child benefits and minimum wages.

It also calls for support to disadvantaged communities with subsidised housing, improvements to infrastructure, and investment in public facilities like green spaces and leisure facilities. Governments should minimise socio-economic segregation in schools and ensure schools are appropriately staffed and equipped regardless of students’ economic backgrounds, according to the report.

It further calls for providing children with healthy and nutritious school meals and engaging with children to understand their perspectives on inequality and develop solutions.

The press release detailing the findings is dated 12 May 2026. Media contacts listed in the release are Brian Keeley at UNICEF Innocenti and Nadia Samie-Jacobs at UNICEF New York.

@UN reported all of the above data and policy recommendations.