A recent review by the UCL Institute of Health Equity, led by Professor Sir Michael Marmot, reveals that structural racism is a significant contributor to health inequalities among ethnic minorities in London.

The report emphasizes that health outcomes are more influenced by social determinants than by healthcare services alone, calling for comprehensive action to address the root causes of inequality.

It highlights three critical impacts of racism: direct harm to health, socioeconomic factors leading to ethnic poverty and disadvantage, and negative experiences faced by ethnic minorities in healthcare.

The study indicates that ongoing exposure to structural racism adversely affects both physical and mental health, worsening existing health disparities.

Notably, nearly 70% of Bangladeshi and Pakistani children, along with 52% of Black children in London, grow up in relative poverty, compared to just 26% of White children.

Unemployment rates are particularly alarming, with young Black individuals aged 16 to 24 facing rates over double those of their White peers, and 40% of ethnic minority workers reporting experiences of workplace racism in the past five years.

Despite educational advancements among ethnic minority youth, high levels of workplace racism continue to hinder their employment opportunities, perpetuating significant poverty levels.

Professor Fenton calls for lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and recent racial events to be applied in combating ingrained racism within society.

The report also points out the existence of avoidable and unfair health inequalities between ethnic groups, particularly in critical areas such as poverty, housing, and employment.

Recommendations from the report include ensuring all employers pay the London Living Wage, developing robust anti-racism strategies, and utilizing independent bodies to investigate reports of racism.

Prof Habib Naqvi from the NHS Race and Health Observatory stresses the historical and pervasive nature of racism, advocating for efforts to eliminate these inequalities across the UK.

Professor Marmot describes structural racism as a 'scar on society' and criticizes public health institutions for failing to adequately address its health impacts.