If we do not act now, the future of medicine risks being built without Black voices, Black data and Black needs.
Ruth Ajayi, Community Advisory Board Chair
Equality
Health
Trust
Making impact that will last for generations
- Black Health Legacy is a new research study, for, by and with Black, Black African and Black Caribbean communities in the UK. We aim to create one of the most inclusive health research studies of its kind.
- Our safe, secure and high-quality research will bring the latest health and genetics methods to help prevent, find and treat health problems that affect more Black people than others.
- Led by trusted doctors, scientists, health professionals and community leaders, we will break down generational barriers by prioritising Black people in health research and overcoming their past exclusion.
- Be part of the change and help us on this vital journey to help improve the health of future generations.
Why we exist
- Black African and Black Caribbean people are significantly underrepresented in health and genomic research, and this is amplifying health inequalities and resulting in missed opportunities to deliver equitable precision medicine.
- Black people in the UK are 2–4 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than white people and they are also more likely to have, and die from, high blood pressure and strokes.
- People of Black and Mixed ethnicity are the youngest groups starting kidney replacement therapy in the UK. Structural racism can reinforce the inequalities experience by Black people and have a negative impact on their health.
- Common genetic changes carried by Black African and Black Caribbean people may have a major impact on the accuracy of diagnostic tests used by the NHS. Our research shows that 1 in 7 Black men in the UK carry asymptomatic genetic changes that impact the accuracy of HbA1c, leading to delays in diagnosis of diabetes and more rapid progression to complications.
Black Health Legacy wants to change the story for Black people
- Our internationally-recognised team have been funding to change the story
- We are launching the Black Health Legacy study in October 2025, based in London, and expanding nationally in 2026. With support from the National Institute of Health Research Research Delivery Networks, we aim to be the largest study representing Black people, aged 16 and above, in our study.
- Black Health Legacy is rooted in Black, Black African and Black Caribbean communities to build a trusted, lasting resource that brings equitable improvements in health. Our community partners include organisations, charities, faith groups, local community groups and individual advocates who share our commitment to better health equally and for all.
Dr Veline L’Esperance
Co-Lead
Professor Sarah Finer
Co-Lead
Ruth Ajayi
Chair, Community Advisory Board
Sasha Henriques
Principal Genetic Counsellor
Sheik Dowlut
Senior Programme Manager
Ana Angel-Garcia
Research Nurse
Bernice Appiah
Research Facilitator
Sean Kassen
Research Facilitator
Wuraola Adeoye
Senior Research Facilitator
Vimbai Mandaza
Research Associate
Olaolu Fayokun
Content Creator
The Black Health Legacy team
We are a majority Black group of researchers, NHS and community representatives who are building trust, transparency, respect and accountability in every aspect of our mission. We look forward to sharing updates and news with you as Black Health Legacy launches.
Watch this space for our full website coming soon
Our collaborators
Our work at Black Health Legacy is made possible through trusted partnerships across health, research, community and policy organisations.
Black Health Legacy is a new research study for, and led by, Black, Black African and Black Caribbean people in the UK.
Learn more about our team and our study.
Our community