Tackling Black Maternal Health Disparities: How Public Sector Healthcare Can Lead Change
Black maternal health disparities in the UK remain a critical public health challenge. Black women are significantly more likely to experience severe birth complications than white women. Tackling these inequalities requires systemic change, informed by evidence, and collaborative action.
The Reality of Black Maternal Health Disparities
Black maternal health disparities in the UK are stark. Black women are six times more likely to suffer from pre-eclampsia during delivery compared to white women. Despite making up just 5% of all births, they represent 26% of pre-eclampsia cases linked to chronic hypertension.
The UK Parliament’s Women and Equalities Committee attributes these disparities to structural racism, unconscious bias, and health inequalities. Additionally, Black women face higher rates of pre-existing conditions like hypertension, which increase risks. Furthermore, gaps in culturally competent care contribute to mistrust and poorer outcomes for Black mothers (UK Parliament).
NHS Commitments to Reducing Inequalities
The NHS has acknowledged the urgent need to tackle these disparities. It has invested £10 million to improve maternity care in underserved areas. This funding aims to deliver culturally inclusive care and better support for deprived communities.
For example, the Core20PLUS5 framework provides a clear guide to target underserved populations. It focuses on improving outcomes for groups most affected by inequalities (NHS England).
How Anya Supports Black Maternal Health
At Anya, we are committed to addressing inequalities in maternity care. Our partnerships with Local Maternity and Neonatal Systems (LMNS) in Greater Manchester and East Cheshire focus on supporting underserved groups.
Through the SBRI Healthcare Phase 2 project, we have expanded our app’s features to support parents facing inequalities. During Phase 1, we engaged with Black mums, young parents, and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. Their insights shaped solutions tailored to their unique experiences.
Key initiatives include:
- Culturally tailored content: Developed in consultation with Black mums for relevance and inclusivity.
- Digital tools for trust-building: Offering easy-to-access information and personalised pathways.
- Collaborations with LMNS: Co-creating localised solutions to address high-risk health challenges.
Our work has already shown results. Feedback from LMNS teams highlights improved accessibility and engagement. In Greater Manchester, healthcare professionals have reported early success in reaching underserved communities.
Connecting Global and Local Efforts
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is advocating globally for improved maternal care. Its recent series in BMJ Global Health focuses on rights-based, culturally competent care for underserved groups.
At Anya, we align with WHO’s vision by translating these global principles into local solutions. We offer NHS trusts scalable, evidence-based tools to improve maternity care access and outcomes.
Driving Change Together
Reducing Black maternal health disparities requires collaboration. Public sector organisations are crucial in addressing systemic barriers, fostering trust, and delivering inclusive care.
At Anya, we are dedicated to supporting NHS trusts with solutions that:
- Engage underserved communities to reduce inequalities.
- Improve outcomes for Black mothers and other high-risk groups.
- Empower healthcare providers with digital tools to enhance care pathways.
Join us in creating a future where every parent has equitable access to safe, supportive maternity care.
Contact Anya today to explore how our culturally inclusive solutions can support your NHS trust in improving maternity care.
