Structural racism affects the health and well-being of ethnic minority group communities in London and contributes to avoidable and unfair inequalities between ethnic groups, finds a new report published by the UCL Institute of Health Equity (IHE). Structural Racism, Ethnicity and Health Inequalities in London reviews both published and unpublished reports, materials and research, as well as health and social determinants data. The review was informed by an advisory board and through consultation and collaboration with community groups .
The review's findings highlight how people who are repeatedly exposed to racism during their daily lives, or when using essential services, experience worse physical and mental health. The report also acknowledges the many new and outstanding efforts to reduce structural and institutional racism in London, but found the impacts of racism remain starkly evident, manifesting, particularly, in ethnic inequalities in poverty, housing, employment, pay and career progression. IHE researchers also highlighted the known and marked inequalities among ethnic groups in maternal and child health and mental illness, alongside experiences with the criminal justice system and health care services more widely.
As a result of the findings, the IHE is calling for greater accountability, particularly from leaders, institutions and employers to prevent racism from continuing unchecked and to improve the lives of people who experience it. The review's approach an.