Equality, diversity & inclusion (EDI) within genomics and the wider healthcare system is of crucial importance. Ongoing work into the topic is aiming to manifest real changes.

Systemic issues affecting minority groups, including high maternal death rates, infant mortality, and limited access to treatments, have eroded trust in the healthcare system. The disparities are stark:

• In 2019, stillbirth rates for Black babies were more than double those of White babies (7.1 per 1000 vs. 3.4 per 1000) (1). 
• Over 80% of Black and 70% of Asian babies are born in the most deprived areas of England (2), further limiting healthcare access.
• Racial bias is evident in sickle cell disease treatment, where Black patients are often denied adequate pain relief due to harmful stereotypes (3). 
• South Asians in the UK also face a 40% higher death rate from coronary heart disease (CHD), with many deaths occurring before age 40 (4).

Within genomics, indicative internal data show that testing rates are not proportionate to the population. Additionally, the underrepresentation of ethnic minorities in genomic datasets leads to biases in precision medicine, limiting treatment effectiveness and deepening healthcare inequalities (5).

In this webinar, we will hear from leading voices in healthcare and community engagement, to discuss the current state of play, emerging research, and what's happening to improve the healthcare sector for minorities in the UK. This webinar will teach you the importance of EDI within healthcare and how to implement effective activities across a variety of healthcare environments.

(1): https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/healthandsocialcare/childhealth/articles/birthsandinfantmortalitybyethnicityinenglandandwales/2007to2019 

(2): https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/healthandsocialcare/childhealth/articles/birthsandinfantmortalitybyethnicityinenglandandwales/2007to2019

(3): https://www.sicklecellsociety.org/no-ones-listening/ 

(4): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6394505/#CR2

(5): https://www.nhsrho.org/research/ethnic-inequities-in-genomics-and-precision-medicine-review-report/