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Why are Bangladeshis (and BAME groups generally) more at risk of Covid19 deaths?

03/06/2020 1041 Views Covid-19 Add to Favourite 7 Comments 5
 
As a British Bangladeshi myself, I am naturally concerned about the recent finding that Bangladeshis are twice as likely to die of Covid19 than the white population. I note however that there is a lot of information lacking in respect of this finding e.g. occupation, comorbidities etc. Why do you think this is? Gut feeling tells me the finding is directly linked to the many inequalities that Bangladeshis, and BAME individuals generally, face i.e. lowest paid, discriminatory practices in the workplace which prevent progression etc. Plus the added responsibilities for those who are carers and those mental health issues (diagnosed or otherwise) may have some relevance. I'm also curious as to whether housing/living conditions are a contributing factor. What are your thoughts?
NazminA

Lawyer specialising in Residential Development, Estate Management & General Infrastructure, and Co-Chair of Muslim Women's Network UK (All views & opinions expressed on MWN Hub are my own and unless expressly stated, should not be taken to represent the views of MWNUK)

 

7 Comments

  • NazminA

    05/06/2020

    I've written this piece reviewing Public Health England's latest report into the impact of Covid19 on BAME groups and which places housing challenges (overcrowding, insecure housing, expensive housing etc) as one of the reasons for the increase in risks for BAME communities, and of course Bangladeshis: https://www.blakemorgan.co.uk/public-health-england-report-on-covid-19/

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  • Anonymous

    05/06/2020

    Read this article: https://www.theguardian.com/money/2020/jun/20/financial-inequality-the-ethnicity-gap-in-pay-wealth-and-property?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Slack According to this Bangladeshi households only have 10 pence for every £1 of White British wealth. What does that mean for Covid19 you ask? It means that whilst the White British can stock up and hoard food and essential items and stay within the comfort of their homes, Bangladeshis have to go out to get their food as normal. It means they have no option but to continue working in their low paid jobs no matter what the risk to them. It means they cannot afford the Vitamin D supplements or the nutritional, expensive foods needed to fight Covid19. I do not believe the increased risks are because of genetics. If it was then all of Bangladesh would be suffering. This is about inequality.

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  • Anonymous

    08/06/2020

    I agree that Bangladeshi and BAME communities will be worse off in this pandemic due to their social and economic status. Whilst being in the lowest paid jobs with longer working hours, and living with larger families, and a below average quality of life could all lead to poor health/lower immune system. The odds are against Bangladeshi and all BAME communities so this would explain why death rates have been so high from COVID19. I would expect these statistics would be reflected across the board as we know Diabetes and heart conditions are very common in these communities.

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  • GrannyBibi

    08/06/2020

    Could it be because Bangladeshis are prone to certain illnesses? Like diabetes and heart disease and so because of a weaker immune system maybe Bangladeshis are more susceptible to Covid19? I also think poverty has a huge part to play. I would have liked to see information given about the socio-economic circumstances of the people who have died due to Covid19 - are the vast majority living in poverty?

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  • Anonymous

    06/06/2020

    I know that many more non whites work in hospitality, cleaning and areas seen as manual work. Having worked in these areas myself I was always paid minimum wage so how would any company pay below that? If you are paid less than any other member for doing the same job you can sue them. It could also be because those from a Bangladeshi background might live together more with different family members.

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  • Anonymous

    05/06/2020

    Well we know that people of Bangladeshi ethnicity earn 20% less than their white counterparts and I am certain financial status plays a huge part in increasing risks! I earn much less than my white colleague even though I do twice as much as her and during this pandemic I've been worn out with how much has been expected of me while she twiddles her thumbs. I now feel very unwell and I know if I have a weaker immune system then I am more vulnerable to Covid19. But I cannot do anything about it because discrimination is the new normal!

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  • MWNHub

    04/06/2020

    MWNUK is interested in conducting research into this to better understand if the government needs to do more to protect those who are most vulnerable. If you are from a Bangladeshi background and want more information to take part, please see our research request at www.mwnwerise.co.uk/contribute/articles/mwnuk-research-request-ethnicity-and-covid-19

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