Recent evidence from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) have shown that Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) individuals suffer from higher mortality rates than the rest of the population. This article discusses the specific impact on pregnant BAME women and the need for more checks because of the higher risk from COVID-19 following calls from NHS England.
Recent evidence from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) have shown that Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) individuals suffer from higher mortality rates than the rest of the population. This article discusses the specific impact on pregnant BAME women and the need for more checks because of the higher risk from COVID-19 following calls from NHS England.
The variation in mortality due to COVID-19 according to race is quite worrisome for all BAME people. However, it's particularly an issue when you have to go into hospital (such as pregnant women)!
How can we reassure BAME women? We should remember that many BAME people often have certain cultural attitudes towards diseases. This is in addition to the general concern around COVID-19. Together, these will heighten the desire for BAME people to avoid hospitals. This could result in missed antenatal and prenatal appointments.
Long-term impact of COVID-19? Mortality is the most important short-term measure of the impact of COVID-19. However, it's important to rememebr that COVID-19 will also have long-term impacts. On top of that, these impacts may vary. How will they vary? What could these impacts be? How can we try and mitigate (avoid) them?
1. How would you handle the inequalities resulting in disproportionate COVID deaths if you were in charge of the NHS?
2. Should we offer extra COVID-19 tests just for BAME pregnant women due to their increased risk?