According to a review by a renowned public health expert in the UK, structural racism in London is a major factor in the significant health disparities among certain ethnic groups.
Over half (52%) of black children and nearly three-quarters (70%) of Bangladeshi and Pakistani children are experiencing relative poverty after accounting for housing costs in London, in contrast to a quarter (26%) of white children.
The report indicates that the unemployment rate for young black individuals aged 16 to 24 is over twice that of their white counterparts in the same age group. Young individuals from the Gipsy, Roma, and Irish Traveler communities exhibit the highest prevalence, recorded at 40%.
The analysis performed by the UCL Institute of Health Equity (IHE), under the leadership of Prof. Sir Michael Marmot, indicates that individuals who face persistent exposure to structural racism in their daily environments exhibit significantly poorer physical and mental health outcomes as a direct result. The data indicates that disparities in ethnicity concerning poverty, housing, and employment contribute to suboptimal health outcomes for these demographic groups.
The analysis indicated that economic disparities, linked to systemic racism, result in suboptimal health outcomes for minority populations in London, as they face reduced access to adequate housing, nutritious food, and other determinants that influence health outcomes.
Marmot, the director of the IHE and author of a pivotal review on health inequalities in the UK in 2010, stated that structural racism “is a scar on society” and that public health institutions are not adequately addressing the impact of racism on individual health outcomes.
“Addressing social justice necessitates the implementation of appropriate measures to effectively manage the issue.” Marmot stated that it represents a significant inequity when the prerequisites for optimal health are not evenly allocated across different ethnic groups. “Particularly in cases where such an unequal distribution is a consequence of systemic racism.” Inequities in the social determinants of health are accumulating potential health issues for the future.
He noted that concentrating solely on disease and healthcare services neglects to consider three significant effects of racism on health. Initially, the impact of racism on health and wellbeing is examined in a direct manner. Secondly, the factors contributing to the higher likelihood of certain ethnic groups facing poverty are inadequate housing, challenges within the educational and criminal justice systems, low wages, and experiences of racism and limited employment opportunities, all of which adversely affect health outcomes. Third, it fails to address the impact of racism, which contributes to poorer experiences in healthcare and other services, ultimately resulting in adverse outcomes.
Professor Kevin Fenton, serving as the public health director for London and president of the Faculty of Public Health, stated: “This new report clearly illustrates the significant impact that structural racism persists in having on the health and wellbeing of Londoners in 2024.”
“This contributes to the expanding dataset illustrating the ongoing, widespread, and detrimental effects of structural racism, highlighting the necessity of addressing these challenges as a fundamental public health concern.”
Fenton stated: “We must analyse the implications of the Covid-19 pandemic, the murder of George Floyd, and the recent race riots across the UK, highlighting that entrenched, structural racism remains a significant issue in our society, affecting the lives of individuals in Britain, even within a global city such as London.”
“The statistics regarding racial disparities in London, a diverse urban environment, are significant, and it is essential to derive insights for other regions in the UK and implement strategies to safeguard and enhance the health of minority ethnic populations, ensuring that all individuals in our society can achieve their maximum potential.”
Prof. Habib Naqvi, the chief executive of the NHS Race and Health Observatory, stated: “Racism is a challenge that transcends boundaries and borders. Although this report focusses on London, we anticipate it will have a broader impact across the UK.”
“Racism is entrenched in historical contexts.” It is widespread and integrated into the framework of our society. We are currently positioned at a critical juncture; it is essential to acknowledge the magnitude of inequality and address the pervasive issue of racism within our society to enhance health outcomes for everyone.