Significant Child Health Disparities Despite Overall Good Outcomes in Stockholm County

According to the 2025 child health care report for Stockholm County, while overall health among children under five remains good, significant disparities persist across different municipalities and districts. The report, published by Region Stockholm, reveals that vaccination rates are high, averaging 97% for several vaccines by age two. However, coverage varies notably by area, with the Järva district showing the lowest measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination rate at 84.7%, compared to a full 100% in Nykvarn. Breastfeeding rates also differ considerably; 71.7% of infants born in 2024 were exclusively breastfed at one week, but these rates fluctuate between regions.

Exposure to tobacco smoke in homes is comparatively low, affecting only 3% of infants countywide, yet some areas report no exposure while others have higher rates. Obesity among four-year-olds is a concern, with a reported 9% prevalence, notably higher in girls and certain municipalities, prompting calls for targeted preventive measures.

Notably, the total number of children registered in child health care units (BVC) declined by 1,957 compared to the previous year, with the overall registry count at 159,148 children under five by the end of 2025. Conversely, the number of child health care nurses saw a slight increase, aiming to support these young populations. Lina Schollin Ask, chief physician of child health care in Region Stockholm, emphasized the critical need for continuous efforts to reduce the uneven health outcomes identified in the report.

The report includes new data from the Swedish Child Health Care Register (BHVQ), facilitating better comparison of child health statistics within Stockholm and with other regions, highlighting structural health inequalities that require sustained intervention.