The Enfield Black Health Forum (EBHF) was launched in Enfield on Saturday 28th May 2022. This was a significant achievement for Enfield. Chair of Enfield Caribbean Association Oveta McInnis was invited as a guest speaker to the launch of EBHF.
The EBHF initiative was driven by the Caribbean and African Health Network (CAHN) who have established as spearheading the issue of black health. CAHN's vision is to eradicate health disparities for Caribbean & African people within a generation.
The mission for the EBHF is to lead strategic engagement to change the unhelpful practices of service providers, commissioners, and member organisations to influence policy and practice to ensure racial and social justice is a focus of health and other public sector service reforms in the UK.
Key players in the strategy include Dudu Sher Arami Director of Public Health London Borough of Enfield, Riyadul Karim Assistant Director of Primary Care, Enfield Borough Directorate, NHS North Central London Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). The event was Chaired by Cedi Frederick who is Chair Designate – Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board and Independent Chair – London Vaccine Legacy Equity Group.
Representatives from the local NHS, Enfield Council, doctors and community leaders were present including Dr Lanre Durojaiye an Enfield GP of Medicus Health Partners and Pastor Nick Chanda of RCCE Church, who kindly hosted the event.
Over the coming weeks and months community leaders and individuals will be invited to join the health forum in order to work towards making a difference to health and wellbeing in our local community. It is important that people in the Enfield community take ownership of health matters and build connections in Enfield.
Oveta Mcinnis said "I am encouraged by this initiative and hope that the Enfield Black health forum, will increase the level of intervention, and support offered to Caribbean and African users of the health service, will listen to our concerns and genuinely address the health needs of our community and most importantly improve our health outcomes, and reduce the disparities."
