From awareness to action: Tackling health inequalities through improved health literacy among ethnic minorities in England

Health disparities persist among ethnic minority communities in England, despite the efforts of the national health service to provide equitable healthcare access. Recent statistics highlight that individuals from ethnic minorities are more likely to report poor health and face difficulties accessing healthcare compared to their white counterparts. One critical factor contributing to this inequality is health literacy, which influences individuals’ ability to seek, understand, and utilize healthcare information. Factors such as language barriers, diverse health beliefs, and lower educational attainment contribute to the lower health literacy levels observed in these communities. This paper assesses the health outcomes of ethnic minority groups, with a focus on COVID-19 vaccination uptake and cervical cancer screening. By examining existing interventions aimed at reducing health disparities, this report identifies potential strategies to improve health literacy, with the goal of enhancing health outcomes among ethnic minority populations in England.