By Talking Health TV –

New resource aims to transform outcomes for Black communities across the UK

A pioneering digital tool has been launched by the NHS to directly confront long-standing racial health disparities in the UK.

The Health Action Resource Platform (HARP), developed by the NHS Race and Health Observatory, is a free, interactive platform designed to improve health outcomes for Black patients and other minority groups.

The launch follows alarming findings from reports such as the MBRRACE-UK study, which revealed that Black women are more than twice as likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth compared to White women.

HARP has been created to tackle these disparities head-on.

Why HARP Matters

The platform focuses on health areas where inequalities are most severe, including:

• Maternal and Neonatal Health – addressing the disproportionately higher mortality rates among Black, Asian, and mixed-ethnicity women.

• Sickle Cell Disorder – improving treatment and outcomes for a condition that predominantly affects people of African and Caribbean descent.

• Mental Health, Cancer, and Cardiovascular Disease – shining a spotlight on other critical areas where health outcomes remain unequal.

What the Platform Offers

Far more than just a website, HARP is designed to drive meaningful change. Users can:

• Explore the Data – compare NHS performance by ethnicity, region, and deprivation levels, exposing inequalities at both local and national scales.

• Find Practical Solutions – access case studies, interviews, and guides showcasing projects that have successfully addressed health disparities.

• Hold Systems Accountable – download raw data to strengthen campaigns and press for action from healthcare providers.

A Call to Action

The tool is not only for healthcare professionals but also for community organisations, campaigners, and individuals who want to advocate for fairer health outcomes.

Professor Habib Naqvi, Chief Executive of the NHS Race and Health Observatory, said: “This unique platform offers insights which can lead to informed, targeted action to tackle inequalities at both local and national levels.”

Professor Stella Vig, NHS England’s National Clinical Director, added: “It is a call to action, equipping us with the knowledge and resources to build a fairer, healthier future for all communities.”

How Communities Can Use HARP

HARP empowers users with the knowledge needed to make a difference:

• Community Leaders – use the data to guide outreach programmes and strengthen funding bids.

• Individuals – learn about disparities and ask informed questions during medical appointments.

• Everyone – share the resource widely to strengthen collective awareness and advocacy.

Explore the Platform

The Health Action Resource Platform (HARP) is now live and can be accessed here: www.rho-harp.org