The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the health inequalities that persist in our society, particularly for people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. These communities have experienced higher infection and mortality rates than the white population.  Before Covid-19 life expectancy at birth was higher among most ethnic groups than the white population but this has been reversed by the impact of Covid-19.  

In summer 2021, the Prime Minister established the independent Commission on Race and ethnic Disparities to carry out an examination on why disparities exist and how they can be reduced.   Determining the causes of ethnic inequalities in health is difficult, however available evidence would suggest a complex interplay of deprivation, environmental, physiological, behavioural and cultural factors.  

The differences in outcomes in maternity services are significant, with Black women 5 times more likely to die during pregnancy and Asian or Asian British babies having a 73% increased risk of neonatal death compared to White babies. The risk of developing diabetes is up to six times higher in South Asian than white groups. 

This event will address how racial inequality is being combatted in healthcare delivery.  It will focus on how local government, community organisations and healthcare providers are working in partnership to deliver place-based interventions to reduce inequality to enable building back better and fairer after the Covid-19 pandemic.