What is Health Equity?
Health equity means that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. This means removing any obstacles to health such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to good jobs with fair pay, quality education and housing, safe environments, and healthcare.
Why is health equity important to Lewisham?
Lewisham is a diverse borough with people from various backgrounds and social circumstances. Sadly, not everyone in Lewisham has the same opportunities to be healthy. Factors like poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to resources can create barriers to good health for some residents.
Health equity is important to Lewisham because it strives to create a fair and just society where everyone has the chance to live a healthy life, no matter their background, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. This means working to remove those barriers and ensure that everyone has the same opportunities to thrive.
The Historical Role of Black Women
Black women have played a crucial role in the fight for health equity throughout history, often leading the charge for community health and social justice. Highlighting their contributions is essential because:
- They have often faced multiple forms of discrimination and yet have persevered in advocating for the health needs of their communities.
- Black women have often served as pillars of strength and leadership within their communities, driving grassroots efforts to improve health outcomes.
- Their work has often been overlooked or undervalued, making it even more important to recognise their historical and ongoing contributions to health equity.
Celebrating Health Equity Heroes for Black History Month 2024
This year, Lewisham Local celebrates Black History Month under the theme of “Saluting Our Sisters.” We want to honour and recognise the outstanding contributions Black women have made and continue to make to society.
In Lewisham, celebrating health equity heroes for Black History Month is especially significant because:
- It highlights the vital role Black women play in advocating for health equity and addressing health inequalities within the Black community.
- Celebrating these heroes can inspire others to act and work towards a more equitable healthcare system for all.
- Recognising the contributions of Black women in health equity helps to create a more inclusive and just society where everyone feels valued and respected.
By celebrating our local health equity heroes, we aim to demonstrate our commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive public services for all Lewisham residents.
Cllr Juliet Campbell: A Champion for Health Equity and Community Wellbeing:
- Who is she? Cllr Juliet Campbell is a dedicated public servant and passionate advocate for social justice in Lewisham. As a Labour Councillor and Cabinet Member for Communities, Refugees and Wellbeing, she has been a driving force for positive change in the borough.
- What has she done? Cllr Campbell has championed numerous initiatives to improve the lives of Lewisham residents, particularly those from marginalised communities. She played a crucial role in the Birmingham and Lewisham African and Caribbean Health Inequalities Review (BLACHIR), a landmark study that exposed the stark realities of health disparities faced by Black communities. She has also been a strong voice for refugees and asylum seekers, ensuring they have access to essential services and support.
- Why is she a history maker? Cllr Campbell’s unwavering commitment to addressing health inequalities and promoting community wellbeing makes her a true history maker. She is a powerful advocate for those whose voices are often unheard, and her work is creating a more just and equitable Lewisham for all.
Barbara Gray: A Driving Force for Health Equity in Lewisham:
- Who is she? Barbara Gray is a dedicated and passionate advocate for addressing health inequalities in Lewisham. With a long-standing career in the public sector, she has played a vital role in shaping policies and initiatives to improve the wellbeing of Black communities.
- What has she done? As the Lewisham Community Project lead for the Birmingham and Lewisham African and Caribbean Health Inequalities Review (BLACHIR), Barbara Gray led a groundbreaking investigation into the systemic factors contributing to health disparities faced by Black residents. The BLACHIR report, published in 2021, has been instrumental in raising awareness and driving action to address these inequalities. Beyond BLACHIR, Gray has been a consistent advocate for culturally competent healthcare and community-centred approaches to improving health outcomes.
- Why is she a history maker? Barbara Gray’s contribution to the BLACHIR report has helped to advance the understanding and work to address health inequalities in Lewisham. Her work has challenged traditional approaches to public health and placed the experiences of Black communities at the centre. By pushing for data-driven solutions and community engagement, she is helping to create a more equitable and just healthcare system.
Dr. Catherine Mbema: Leading the Charge for Health Equity in Lewisham
- Who is she? Dr. Catherine Mbema is a highly accomplished public health leader and a driving force for change in Lewisham. As the Director of Public Health for Lewisham Council, she has dedicated her career to addressing health inequalities and improving the wellbeing of all residents, particularly those from marginalised communities.
- What has she done? Dr. Mbema has been instrumental in leading Lewisham’s public health response to various challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. She has also been a key figure in the Birmingham and Lewisham African and Caribbean Health Inequalities Review (BLACHIR), a landmark study that has shed light on the systemic factors contributing to health disparities faced by Black communities. Her expertise and leadership have been crucial in shaping policies and initiatives aimed at creating a more equitable and just healthcare system in Lewisham.
- Why is she a history maker? Dr. Mbema’s dedication to public health and her commitment to addressing health inequalities make her a true history maker. As a Black woman in a leadership position, she is a role model for aspiring public health professionals. Her work is transforming the landscape of healthcare in Lewisham and creating a healthier future for all residents.