RACISIM, SECTARIANISM AND HEALTH OUTCOMES
Dear Colleagues,
This discussion is trending today. How can we use this debate to improve health outcomes for all?
The current global debate on racism provides an opportunity to discuss the contribution of racism and other forms of sectarianism to population health outcomes. The WHO Commission on Social Determinants of Health and other studies have pointed out racial discrimination as a key social determinant and driver of racial health inequities. This is mediated by direct and indirect pathways such as differential access to societal resources, education, employment and living conditions.
The world has been gripped by the reaction of disgust expressed through widespread global protests in over 60 countries against the killing of Floyd George a black man by a white policeman in Minneapolis, USA. This incident took place in broad daylight and was vividly captured in a live video recording that went viral and touched the hearts of many around the world. This global reaction is a vivid illustration of our humanity at work where we feel the pain of another human being and respond to stop the same from happening again to others. It is this humanity that has enabled our species homo sapiens to collaborate, learn together and prosper by turning planetary resources to our advantage.