The inaugural Bangladeshi Health Inequalities Summit, organised by the London Bangladeshi Health Partnership (LBHP), took place on September 24, 2024, at Tower Hamlets Town Hall. This ground-breaking event united over 130 key stakeholders from various sectors, including NHS England, NEL ICB, and the VCSE sectors, to address pressing health disparities within London's Bangladeshi community.
Opening Remarks and Keynote Address
The summit commenced with welcoming remarks from LBHP Co-Chair Riyadul Karim, Assistant Director of Community Engagement and Vaccine/Screening Equity at NHS England, and Co-Chair Dr. Sharmin Shajahan, Deputy Director of Voice4Change England. They emphasised the necessity of tackling critical health issues such as diabetes and improving vaccine and screening uptake among Bangladeshis.
A powerful keynote address was delivered by Professor Kevin Fenton CBE FFPH, London Regional Director at the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities. He highlighted "Racism as a Determinant of Health," underscoring the systemic factors contributing to health inequalities in BAME communities.
The summit featured engaging panel discussions and interactive Q&A sessions, skillfully chaired by Martin Machray, Director - Improvement, Transformation and Partnerships NHS England, London Region and Professor Tahseen Chowdhury Consultant in Diabetes, Department of Diabetes and Metabolism, Royal London Hospital. These sessions provided a platform for attendees to delve deeper into the pressing health issues affecting the Bangladeshi community, fostering an environment of open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving.
Key Focus Areas
The summit concentrated on several vital health issues affecting the Bangladeshi community:
- Early Onset Type 2 Diabetes: A growing concern among individuals under 40.
- Pregnancy and Diabetes Management: Addressing the unique challenges faced by pregnant women with diabetes.
- Vaccine Uptake: Strategies to improve COVID-19 and influenza vaccination rates.
- Breast Cancer Screening: Increasing awareness and participation in screening programs.
Interactive Discussions
Attendees engaged in interactive World Café table discussions on themes such as Diabetes Health Equity and Vaccinations and Screening Equity. These sessions facilitated knowledge sharing and collaborative problem-solving among participants.
Collaborative Approach
LBHP, supported by organisations like the Bangla Housing Association (BHA), NHS England, Tower Hamlets Borough Council (LBTH), V4CE, and Barts Health Trust, successfully united an interdisciplinary group of health partners with Bangladeshi community organisations. Funded by the Legacy Health and Equity Partnership (LHEP), this collaborative effort aimed to address the health priorities of underserved Bangladeshi communities in London.
Positive Feedback
Attendees expressed appreciation for the summit's format and content. Comments included:
- "Excellent variety of speakers and representatives from a range of organisation types."
- "The World Café discussions were very useful for gathering insights."
- "It was invaluable to hear case studies and examples of best practices while having the opportunity to share learning."
Looking Ahead
The success of the summit has paved the way for future collaborations. As one attendee remarked, "I look forward to seeing the outcomes following this summit." The LBHP aims to develop a strategic work plan based on insights gathered during the event.
A comprehensive post-event report is scheduled for release in November 2024, detailing discussions and proposed actions to address health inequalities in the Bangladeshi community.
Key Takeaways
Several critical points emerged from discussions:
- Long-Term Funding: The need for sustained financial support to implement health initiatives.
- Health Literacy: Increasing education about diabetes among younger generations.
- Community Engagement: Identifying community voices for tailored interventions.
- Early Intervention: Particularly concerning pregnancy-related health issues.
- Building Trust: Strengthening relationships between the NHS and the community.
During breaks, attendees had opportunities to network, fostering connections that will be crucial for future initiatives. The overwhelmingly positive response to this inaugural summit underscores its importance in addressing health disparities within London's Bangladeshi community.
By bringing together diverse voices and expertise, this summit marks a significant step towards creating equitable healthcare solutions that can truly make a difference.
Get a glimpse of more moments from the summit by watching these videos:
Highlights from the event: London Bangladeshi Health Inequalities Summit - Highlights (youtube.com)
Morning Session: London Bangladeshi Health Inequalities Summit - Morning Session Recording (youtube.com)
Afternoon Session: LBHP summit Afternoon session (youtube.com)
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