NHS Collaborates with NICE to Address Ethnic Health Inequalities

Efforts to address ethnic health disparities are intensifying, with organizations like the NHS Race and Health Observatory and NICE collaborating to de-bias clinical guidance in areas such as maternal health, mental health, and sickle cell disease. Persistent underrepresentation of ethnic minorities in healthcare research undermines medical equity; a comprehensive review highlights that mistrust from historical injustices and ongoing discrimination are major barriers to participation. In the U.S., the Black community faces unique challenges in mental health, including higher rates of PTSD, lower treatment access, and alarming increases in suicide, all exacerbated by systemic racism and poverty. Addressing these disparities requires both systemic changes—such as inclusive research practices and unbiased clinical guidelines—and culturally competent care that acknowledges distinct community experiences and needs.