Recognising Health Inequalities During Black History Month:
As we enter Black History Month, we honour the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Black communities and other people of colour. However, this month also serves as a reminder of the persistent inequalities that these communities continue to face, particularly in healthcare.
Black History Month is a vital opportunity to confront the legacies of systemic racism and inequality that still permeate society today, including the healthcare sector. The COVID-19 pandemic has made these disparities impossible to ignore, as Black people and people of colour have been disproportionately affected by both the virus and the healthcare systems meant to support them. This is not just a historical issue but a modern reality that demands immediate action.
Why Were Black Communities Disproportionately Affected by COVID-19?
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed long standing inequalities, revealing that Black people and other minority groups were hit hardest by the virus. Several interconnected factors contributed to this disproportionate impact. Many Black people work in essential/key roles, such as healthcare, transport, and retail that exposed them to higher risk during the pandemic. These jobs often come with fewer protections, limited access to healthcare, and higher levels of job insecurity, leaving workers more vulnerable to both the virus and its economic consequences.
Additionally, Black people are more likely to suffer from underlying health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory illnesses, which increased the severity of COVID-19 outcomes. Sickle cell disease is another critical condition affecting many in the Black community, leading to complications that can make individuals more susceptible to severe illness from COVID-19. Those with sickle cell disease face increased risk of infections and organ damage, which heightens the potential for serious complications when contracting the virus. These health conditions are not isolated but often stem from social determinants of health, such as inadequate housing, poor access to healthcare, and chronic stress stemming from systemic racism.
Health Inequalities in Focus
Professor Nisreen Alwan, a leading public health expert, has extensively researched how health inequalities disproportionately affect marginalised communities. Her findings during the pandemic indicated that Black people and other ethnic minorities were not only more likely to contract COVID-19 but also faced worse outcomes compared to their white counterparts. This disparity arises from a combination of socioeconomic barriers, underlying health disparities, and unequal access to healthcare.
Alwan has been outspoken about the need for systemic change, arguing that health disparities are driven by social determinants like income inequality, poor housing, and limited access to nutritious food. These factors disproportionately affect Black people and people of colour, and her research calls for a holistic approach to tackling these inequalities. Addressing health disparities requires more than just individual behavioural changes—it necessitates widespread reform in healthcare systems and social policies.
The STIMULATE Study and Long Covid
Another critical aspect of the pandemic’s unequal impact is the prevalence of Long Covid, a condition where symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and breathlessness persist long after the initial infection. The STIMULATE-ICP (Symptoms, Trajectory, Inequalities and Management: Understanding Long Covid to Address and Transform Existing Integrated Care Pathways) study has played an essential role in examining how Long Covid disproportionately affects Black and minority ethnic communities. Despite being at higher risk, these communities often face additional barriers to diagnosis and treatment, further exacerbating existing health inequalities.
The STIMULATE study highlights the urgent need for more inclusive care pathways. Without targeted interventions that address the unique challenges faced by Black people and other ethnic minorities, health outcomes will continue to worsen for these already disadvantaged groups.
Sickle Cell Disease: A Significant Factor
Sickle cell disease is a genetic condition predominantly affecting people of African descent, leading to various complications such as severe pain episodes, increased susceptibility to infections, and organ damage. These factors not only make individuals more vulnerable to severe outcomes from illnesses like COVID-19 but also contribute to the overall health disparities experienced by the Black community. The pandemic has illuminated the need for better healthcare support and resources for those living with sickle cell disease.
Sarah Baz: The Importance of Data and Accountability
Public health advocate Sarah Baz has been a key voice in calling for greater transparency in how healthcare systems collect and report data on race and health outcomes. Baz argues that without accurate data, it is nearly impossible to identify and address health disparities. Her work demonstrates that healthcare systems need to be held accountable for the unequal treatment of Black people and people of colour.
By advocating for better data collection, Baz emphasises the necessity for healthcare institutions to take an active role in recognising and tackling health inequalities. Accurate data enables the development of targeted policies and the allocation of resources to areas that are most in need, helping to close the gap in healthcare disparities.
The Importance of Black History Month
Black History Month provides an important moment to reflect on the systemic inequalities that still exist in society today, particularly in healthcare. The disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Black people and people of colour is a stark reminder that the inequalities of the past are still very much present. This month is not only a time to commemorate the contributions of Black people but also a call to action to address the ongoing fight for justice and equality.
The health disparities exposed by the pandemic are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern that has existed for generations. By recognising Black History Month, we acknowledge these inequalities and commit to taking steps toward a more just and equitable future for all.
Moving Forward: A Call to Action
The research and advocacy of experts like Nisreen Alwan, the findings from the STIMULATE study, and Sarah Baz’s push for accountability and data transparency show that addressing health inequalities requires a multifaceted approach. Black people and people of colour deserve equitable access to healthcare and better health outcomes.
Groups such as Long Covid SOS and other Long Covid advocacy organisations are stepping up to address the unequal burden of this condition on Black and ethnic minority communities. Their efforts, alongside those of other Long Covid groups, are critical in addressing the health inequalities that have been magnified by the pandemic.
As we look ahead, we must invest in research, reform healthcare systems, and demand accountability from institutions that perpetuate these inequalities. Black History Month is not just a time for reflection—it is a time for action. By addressing health disparities and supporting the work of organisations like Long Covid SOS, we move closer to creating a healthcare system that works for everyone, regardless of race or background.
This Black History Month, let us remember that the fight for health equity is part of the broader fight for racial justice. By tackling the systemic barriers to healthcare access, we honour the legacy of those who have fought for equality and move toward a future where everyone has the right to live a healthy, dignified life.