Low vaccination rates, high corona rates and increased risk of various diseases are among some of the disproportionate health problems faced by Jewish communities across Britain. For the first time, the NHS will conduct a comprehensive study that will be published in March 2024
The British NHS will for the first time investigate health inequalities affecting Jewish communities. Low vaccinations, high rates of corona and increased risks of other diseases are among some of the disproportionate problems faced by Jewish groups, the groups will be examined through a year-long review under the responsibility of the NHS.
Potential barriers and “blind spots”, combined with a widespread lack of understanding of specific needs, can mean that adequate health services are not always adapted according to the Jewish communities, with an emphasis on ultra-Orthodox communities that are less likely to be on the Internet and are not connected to social networks.
The ‘Independent’ reports that organizations capable of assisting in a close examination of the National Health Service are invited to submit proposals to examine how to communicate with Jewish communities, the methods used to convey key public health messages, and potential barriers to spreading health messages in areas that include vaccinations, healthy nutrition, well-being and physical activity.
Dr Habib Naqvi, Senior Director of NHS Health, said: “A deeper understanding is needed as to why inequality continues to persist in the Jewish population. There is clear evidence that culturally appropriate engagement and communication, delivered through the right platforms, can produce positive results with Increased access to health services and better health outcomes.”
He also said, “This work will allow us to take another step towards ensuring that health services do not leave any of our communities behind.” The review and its recommendations will take into account how mental health needs are treated, as part of the review, the organization will work closely with the Jewish NHS staff.
The inspection will also examine how guidelines and policies intended for Jewish communities, which have twice the number of people over the age of 60 compared to the general population, are implemented. Professor David Katz, chairman of the Jewish Medical Association, welcomed this and said: “The epidemic not only highlighted inequality but also proved that for interventions to be effective they need to be evidence-based in the community.”
The final report, which is due to be published on 29 March 2024, will include recommendations for action, and will highlight promising approaches where NHS health professionals will have tailored information on how best to treat Jewish patients and people from different backgrounds.
The study will also examine the impact of communication in areas including the food of patients in hospitals, the experience and impact of anti-Semitism on the part of medical staff, patients or public figures.