What the data tells us about racial division: Impact and steps forward
August 04, 2020
Some of the highest death and hospitalization rates in the UK during the COVID-19 outbreak have been in London, where 40% of the population represents ethnic minority backgrounds (2011 census). Even with adjustments by sex, age, location and other comorbidities, it remains clear that Black, Asian and minority ethnic people are being disproportionately impacted by the virus.
A June 2 report from Public Health England on the impact of COVID-19 showed major inequalities in the mortality risk for Black, Asian and minority ethnic people as compared to White ethnic groups.
Compared to previous years, for example, all-cause mortality during the time period reported was almost:
- 4x higher than expected among Black males, 3x higher among Black females
- 3x higher in Asian males, 2.4x higher in Asian females
- 2x higher in White males, 1.6x higher in White females
Bloomberg’s Diversity & Inclusion team, in partnership with its Black Professional and Pan-Asian Communities in London, held a live, candid discussion on the reasons behind these disparities, potential policy and social solutions to drive progress and increase accountability, and areas where we all can make a difference.
Zoe Schneeweiss, Senior Economics Editor for Bloomberg News, spoke with cultural historian Patrick Vernon, founder of Every Generation and the 100 Great Black Britons campaign, and Ade Adeyemi, who works for National Health Service (NHS) England and sits on the executive committee of the NHS BME Network.
Looking beyond the data
The disparities go beyond mortality rates – inequalities in income, pay, housing and workforce representation underscore the spotlight on COVID-19. Two key points regarding the COVID-19 mortality rates data emerged early in the conversation.
First, with recent data highlighting health inequalities that have been apparent for the past several decades, Vernon expressed a lack of confidence in how the data is being interpreted, disseminated, and used by the UK government to protect minority communities.
Especially disconcerting is the fact that, after lobbying for the review, there have been no governmental guidelines or recommendations forthcoming, and no real focus of attention around the issues the report has raised.
Secondly, since data collected about the nation’s health system reflects power structures already in place, Adeyemi pointed out the importance of approaching the data with a spirit of curiosity. Going beyond the numbers to question embedded biases is necessary as we remind ourselves of the lack of diverse representation in leadership that exists in the design and implementation of such healthcare delivery programs, front line hospitals, and various trust structures.
Public inquiry is essential
Vernon and Adeyemi agreed that addressing the concerns raised by what the data tells us about racial divides requires swift action, prioritization, and accountability. To that end, a timely public inquiry is essential for providing both clarity into the situation and evidence that will allow systemic challenges to be tackled in future.
There’s also an overwhelming need for the support and closure at the community level, which an inquiry could provide. Thousands of families around the country, for example, haven’t been able to practice their faiths or observe cultural norms and traditions in saying goodbye to their loved ones.
Given that the government has already announced a commission to examine racial inequality, Vernon argued it’s not unreasonable to expect that an inquiry should be made to happen sooner rather than later. First steps – like working with stakeholders to identify a potential panel – need to be taken now, so the inquiry can operate in real time, not as a historical look-back.
Restructuring of data collection
In terms of data collection and representation, Adeyemi suggested there needs to be more focus on the people setting up healthcare systems, structuring programs and clinics, and determining risk assessments and interventions for healthcare workers.
Without diversity in these areas upfront, we can’t achieve the level of nuance that’s necessary in data collection to properly interpret the outcomes seen later.
Emphasis was placed on the long-term importance of:
- Diversity of representation. Power imbalances driven by the “normalcy” of whiteness can only be addressed by ensuring decision-making forums – such as those in organizations like the NHS and within the corporate environment – include people who are there to advocate for and advise on what works for different populations.
- Collection of more granular data. For a truly representative output, diversity in public systems must be accompanied by more in-depth collection of data around ethnicities and the people designing public programs and policies.
- Independent reviews for health services. Mental health services in the UK, for example, are not fit-to-purpose to meet the needs of underrepresented communities.
While there’s been a great deal of quantitative data collected around the impact of COVID-19, Adeyemi noted that there hasn’t been nearly enough qualitative data to shape the narrative of what’s been happening within Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
Positive steps forward
Open, candid conversations about race – like the ones taking place across Bloomberg – provide an opportunity to go beyond the data, reflect on the impact of COVID-19, and discuss strategies for positive steps forward.
Some progress has been made.
According to Vernon, race was largely off the agenda prior to the pandemic, when there was often a colour-blind approach to many aspects of public life and policy. Now the time required to get a meeting with senior decision-makers has been drastically reduced and important decisions are happening faster.
Further, while health guideline language translations, targeted information campaigns, and clinical risk assessments on the front line are increasing, Adeyemi observed that NHS frameworks are also being put in place to look at program and policy design.
Still, he added, inequality remains a “we” problem that is not just the responsibility of a single body or organization.
Eliminating racial divides will not happen overnight, but there are simple things we can all do to make a difference as individuals:
- Think about how we interact, who we interact with, and any influence we may have in terms of the people we work with every day
- Get involved with community organizations that are working hard for change
- Engage more with the lived experience of Black and Asian people by reading, reverse mentoring, and taking responsibility for initiating further conversation
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