Questions are being raised as to why disproportionate numbers of black people are dying from the virus
By Emmanuel Urhiofe – The African Voice is dedicating this edition to the more than 12,000 persons from the Black African and ethnic minority population who have been killed by the deadly coronavirus during the past three months.
So far, the novel Covid-19 disease has killed more than 30,000 in the UK. The list includes our able health care workers and professionals who have been at the frontline providing care and treatment to victims of the disease. The spiralling rise in the UK pandemic death rate has seen a disproportionate number of Africans and black minority people being affected.
We have seen our brothers and sisters from Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone, Jamaica and other African countries meeting their untimely death within just two months this year. Concerns have been raised as to the reasons for this disproportionate increase in the death of persons from the African and ethnic community. Some anecdotes have imputed the lack of effective Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as N95 & FFP2 face masks, ace shields, safety glasses, disposable latex gloves, nitrile gloves, medical grade, thermometers, high alcohol hand sanitise.
A recent analysis of NHS data found that of 12,593 patients who died in hospital up to 19 April, 19% were Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) even though these groups make up only 15% of the general population in England
Data from the University College London (UCL) which analysed data from the NHS indicates that England’s Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority groups are two to three times more likely to die from COVID-19 compared to the general population, While black people account for just 13% of the city’s population, they have so far accounted for 16% of deaths from the Covid-19 pandemic in the city of London. Health workers in this group of Black and minority ethnic group include doctors, nurses, technicians, bus drivers, shelf stackers and care workers who are in most cases exposed to the deadly virus in the course of their work schedules.
A celebrated case was that of two sisters, Esther Akinsanya and Mary Idowu who on 11 April – and just hours apart – were taken to the south-east London hospital where they had both worked for decades after showing symptoms. Ms Akinsanya, who was born in Lagos in Nigeria but moved to the UK in the early 1990s, worked as a healthcare assistant at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich, along with Mary. Esther passed away in the same ward where she was treating patients with corona virus.
Many have continued to pay more tribute to the brave health workers as well as their loved ones.
Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, said: “There has been a dipropionate high number of people from the Black and ethnic background who have passed away especially among the care workers. I have paid tribute to them before and I will do so again. The NHS is an amazing organisation that has been built by the dedication of this group of workers including many who have come from abroad and have been disproportionally employed. We have seen this data.
“In every single case we learn how to protect the people better. In terms of people who have passed away, we now have a programme of support which we have put in place. Therefore, anybody who have come from a family of those who have died whilst on service across pharmacy and across social care would be supported. I think this is an important thing to do, we need to recognise the sacrifice of those who have put themselves at risk during this period of the pandemic.
We need to do all we can for the families of these people. We now have a programme of support for these people, for a family of who have died either across pharmacy and across the care workers. There has been disproportionate high figure for people from the ethnic minority especially among the care workers. “
Founder and National Leader, Black Labour Movement UK, Cllr. Sunny Lambe appealed to the government to make all lives matter.
He said: “At the beginning of Coronavirus pandemic, I was concerned with upward trends in deaths, but not too alarmingly worried seeing Africans and other Black and Minority Ethnic professionals falling victim of COVID-19. I thought it was part of occupational hazard in any high-risk work environment.
“However, I became increasingly worried when it emerged that there was a disproportionate preventable high death rates among NHS personnels of African descent. Among unfortunate COVID-19 victims of Black African descent were Donna Campbell, Mary Agyeieaa Agyapong, Dr Alfa Saadu, Grant Maganga, Josephine Peter, Josiane Zauma Ekoli, Khulisani Nkala, Michael Allieu, Adekunle Enitan etc. Just to name a few.
“It also became even more concerning to learn that those NHS doctors and nurseries lost their lives as a result of our British government’s failure to provide them with the required necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) to do their jobs, protect them from COVID-19 and stay alive.
“It is like sending one’s best soldiers to the war front without providing them with the necessary equipment (guns, bulletproofs, bullets, grenades, booths, armours vehicles anti mines etc) to protect themselves from the enemy’s onslaughts. But unfortunately, in this case, Coronavirus.
“If that is not outrageously suicidal, it is criminally insane.
“The treatment of African healthcare professionals and those from other minority communities sadly serves as a reminder of the mountains we still need to climb in achieving racial equality in our society and making all lives matter.
“What do we say to those who lost their mum, dad, uncle, auntie, brother, sister, wife, husband and friend? Most especially that little girl delivers through a Caesarean section, that will never grow up with her mum beside her during birthdays, graduations etc.
“Therefore, we shouldn’t just clap every Thursday night to thank our NHS Covid-19 heroes but also provide them with the necessary PPE to do their jobs in order to stay alive.”
Former Mayor of Newham Council, Cllr Joy Laguda MBE, said: “It is very sad that a lot of people have died due to Covid-19.
My tribute goes to the British African Heroes who have died during this pandemic, on the frontline, over 30 Zimbabweans died so far.
“They died doing the job they loved supporting their families both here and abroad. We have to put pressure on the Government to value them for the difficult work they do.
“As a retired nurse of 40 years, I know what being on the frontline means and just how much it means to those fighting to save the lives of many. We salute their dedication and this will live in our hearts forever.
“We are supporting one of our NHS midwives from Sierra Leone in Newham whose husband died of Covid-19 and a few days later her son an NHS worker was stabbed. Thank you to all our NHS Heroes.”
Consultant Obsterician & Gynaecologist and Clinical Director, Regency International Clinic London, Dr. Henry Okosun paid a moving tribute to Dr Alfa Saadu, who was former Medical Director of Princess Alexandra Hospital in Essex and Ealing NHS Trust. He said: “Dr Alfa Saadu, was 68 years of age, was a doctor who dedicated nearly 40 years of his life to saving others. He had been a medical director at the London North West University NHS.
“Despite retiring in 2016, late Dr Saadu followed his passion for human life by taking up volunteering at his local hospital the Queen Victoria memorial hospital, in Welwyn, Hertfordshire as he could not fully retire. He loved giving lectures in the world of medicine, in the UK, Africa and worldwide. His love for medicine, caring and giving back to the community will never be forgotten.
Dr Saadu was among those who warned people before his death to take the government’s advice seriously as the numbers of confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths continued to rise across the UK.
“He emigrated from Nigeria and rose to become one of the few ethnic minority staff appointed to senior positions in the NHS. Hewas chairman of the Kwara State Association, a community leader, traditional office holder as Galadima of Pategi and also President of Medical Association of Nigerians in UK. He was a friend of Club 87 and a lovely person to be with. He leaves behind a wife who is a retired occupational health doctor, two sons and grandchildren.Our condolences to the wife and family. “
Dr and Mrs Henry Okosun, also paid tribute to Ms. Carol Jamabo, who was a former NHS Administrator. Ms. Carol Jamabo 56, emigrated to the UK from Nigeria in the early 1990s. She was a devoted Christian and loved serving the community. She served the public as an essential key NHS worker and the prison service for more than 25 years. She was an NHS administrator at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in London. Until her death she was working as a carer in the community for Cherish Elderly Care in Bury.
Dr and Mrs said: “She was just an amazing person, fun to be with and has a positive character. She leaves behind two son Tonye Selema and Abiye Selema. Our thoughts and prayer are to the family”
In his tribute, Accountant, Actor, Producer and Film Finance Executive, Mr Ayo Oyebade, said: “In a time where the undercurrent of “racism” is evident in our society, a group of people put their head above the parapet.
“The Media constantly find negative stories to undermine ethnic minorities, to denounce them as good for nothing but at a time of great crisis, they stood and they shined and they showed the true dedication of the African.
“The maligned Africans stood tall and gave their lives in the pursuit of saving lives. They were more vulnerable than others perhaps because of the same dedication to the career they had chosen.
“We salute you one and all, British-Africans, we hold you in high esteem and pray that your sacrifice will not go unrewarded.
“Rest on in God’s peace and may your families, friends and loved ones be comforted during this time of great bereavement.
Cllr. Susan Fajana-Thomas, Labour Councillor for Stoke Newington Ward, who praised the work of “our everyday heroes” said: “I pay tribute to many British Africans that have lost their lives to covid-19, in particular, our brave frontline health workers who sacrificed their own lives saving others. These people are everyday heroes!
“Data shows that people of Black African heritage are four times more likely to die from covid-19 if infected and admitted into hospital. While the reasons for this might be complex, health inequalities and lack of equal opportunities are likely to blame. It is important that we get issues affecting Black Africans on the agenda in the UK.
“I encourage us to come together as a community to support families who have lost loved ones through their time of sorrow.
Social worker, Fred Aseroma who praised “selfless and determined frontline workers” said:“I work for a Local authority based Mental health team as a Social worker and in the period of the ongoing COVID-19 CRISIS, protective protocols have been put in place to protect staff from working directly with clients who may be affected by the virus or only in exceptional cases but with the use of PPEs.
“Although, we are encouraged to work from home most times to reduce the rate of infection on staff, some have been allowed based on the NHS guidelines to work from home for the rest of the Covid period, due to their high-risk to infection or for medical reasons.
“How can we forget your bravery whilst battling the pandemic the unknown enemy COVID-19 and you all as a great soldiers surrender your lives in the line of duties to save ours. Your memories will forever remain with us. Good night Our Heroes.
Mayor of London Borough of Enfield, Cllr Kate Anolue, who eulogised the service of the NHS workers said: “Having worked for NHS for 40 years, I am very distressed at the number of people from BAME who died as the result of COVID-19, whilst working for NHS.
“There is no doubt and not surprising as majority of BAME NHS staff work at the shop floor, in reality they are the frontline staff.
They are very committed to their job, especially when it comes to saving lives, and have the blood of Mary Jane Seacole running through their veins.
My sympathy goes to their families. May they not be forgotten.
May their souls rest in perfect peace. Amen.
Independent Nurse Consultant, Dr Abbey Akinoshun, who praised the work of the “great heroes who cared for other” said: “Tributes to the British African Heroes who lost their lives whilst caring for others in the NHS.
“Our thoughts are with their families; these colleagues have left the indelible mark in the NHS and in the wider community. They were passionate and committed to their profession and that was why they put themselves in the frontline to care for others despite the COVID-19 risks. They all sacrificed their own lives to save the lives of others.
“My special tribute to Late Chief Olabode Francis Ajanlekoko. He was highly respected within his community, a very dedicated nurse and a generous man. He would be sorely missed.
Juliet Alder Osammor was a passionate midwife of so many years, a great carer, a loving mum who also lost her life due to COVID-19.”
Chief (Mrs) Yemisi Sanusi, who titled her tribute ‘Time to Preserve BAME’ said: “It is unfortunate that we keep on loosing precious souls of African Health Professionals to the Coronavirus pandemic. May their precious souls Rest in Perfect Peace. Any one over the retirement age of 66 ought not to go to work again. I understand some volunteered return to the NHS.
“Many Africans are disadvantaged with underlying ill health conditions like High blood pressure, Diabetes, Cancer, obesity etc after 60yrs. Our high calorie greasy foods are contributory factors as well as pressure to get more income to send back home. There could be other contributory factors of been pushed at work to the most dangerous patients. lt is time to preserve BAME lives and Stay Safe.”
Former Mayor of London Borough of Lambeth, Adedamola Aminu said: “My condolences to all staff of NHS Health and Care workers who lost their lives due to Covid-19, May their soul rest in peace and God to comfort their families and loved ones.
“This is the time to recognise the role and importance of British African heroes (BAME) working in our health and care sector. Government need to make sure that health and care workers are provided with the right equipment and pay them decent wages for the valuable job they are doing saving life.”
Journalist Tunde Oyedoyin, wrote “We shall not forget you:” He said: “it is almost unbelievable that coronavirus has taken away the lives of over 30,000 precious people in this country, among whom are frontline workers, including those of Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.
The tell -tale footprints of grief and sadness that this invisible enemy has left in the lives of their families and friends are definitely not something they will forget in a hurry and nobody can ever quantify the extent of such grief and sorrow. All we can do here at the African Voice is to commiserate with these families and to tell them that both from a national and community perspective, these heroes who died in the course of caring for others will forever remain in our hearts.”
Yemisi Jenkins MBE, who is Chair of the British-Nigerian Safeguarding consortium (BNSC) prayed that God should comfort the families of the bereaved: In a tribute, she said: “My heart goes out to all our frontline staff who have lost their lives trying to keep us safe during this pandemic, words fail me. I pray God comforts their families.
“It is no longer news that the African, Caribbean and Asian communities have been disproportionately affected, this is not acceptable. The time has come for us all to come together and as a community to support each other, we must look at internal and external factors responsible for this and work towards addressing them.
It comes as Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust announced the death of Dr Paul Kabasele, who battled coronavirus for a month in hospital.
Paul was a senior speciality doctor and a part of the huge NHS eye care team based at Croydon University Hospital for a decade. Colleagues and family members described the late Paul as a truly gifted and hard-working doctor, Paul treated patients with a range of conditions including glaucoma and uveitis as well as providing urgent care through our rapid access clinic. Much loved by his patients and colleagues alike, Paul provided an exceptional level of care to his patients, thanks to his warm, reassuring and generous nature.
Alongside his vital NHS contribution, Paul also worked tirelessly to improve the eye health of people living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), his home country.
Paul was a dedicated church pastor for over 30 years, providing support to those in his local community and in the DRC – organising conferences on issues like health, marriage and self-empowerment.
With over 25 years’ experience in eye disease, Paul also collaborated with Professor Lightman at University College London on new research looking at the epidemiology of uveitis, a painful and rare eye condition.
David Probert, chief executive of Moorfields Eye Hospital, said: “Paul was a much-loved member of the Moorfields family. Through the past decade, he provided an exceptional level of care to his patients. He was incredibly hardworking, kind, gentle and a joy to work with. He will be sorely missed by many and his death is a huge loss to us all. Our thoughts are with Paul’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult and heart-breaking time.”
Nick Strouthidis, medical director of Moorfields Eye Hospital, added: ‘All of us at Moorfields are devastated at the loss of Dr Paul Kabasele. We are all extremely grateful for both his enormous contribution to ophthalmology and his dedication to his patients and colleagues, and are so very proud that he was part of the Moorfields family.’
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