Newham councillor recruited to Black Health Legacy study
A Newham councillor has been recruited to a study which aims to address health inequalities and improve representation of Black communities in genetic research.
Councillor Thelma Odoi provided a saliva sample at Queen Mary’s Whitechapel campus as part of the Black Health Legacy study, which is led by Queen Mary University of London with Barts Health NHS Trust as one of the partners.
The study aims to become the largest of its kind, working in partnership with Black, Black African and Black Caribbean communities to build trust and break down barriers to participation in health research.
Councillor Odoi said: “I’m so glad that I participated in this project, and I can only imagine the benefits if the generations before had the opportunity to partake in a project like this.”
Currently, less than 3% of global genetic data comes from people of African ancestry. This underrepresentation means that medical studies and treatments often fail to reflect the needs of Black communities. Black Health Legacy seeks to change this by using simple spit tests to recruit participants and generate inclusive data that will shape future healthcare.
The study will initially focus on type 2 diabetes, which disproportionately affects Black people in the UK, who are two to four times more likely to develop the condition than white people. Early findings already highlight the impact of underrepresentation: men with a genetic condition called G6PD deficiency are typically diagnosed with diabetes four years later than others, as standard blood tests underestimate their blood sugar levels.
Sarah Finer, clinical professor in diabetes at Queen Mary and co-lead of the Black Health Legacy study said: “Our early findings already show how a lack of inclusive research can delay diagnosis and treatment. By filling those gaps, we can improve how conditions like diabetes and hypertension are identified and managed — ultimately saving lives.
The study will expand to investigate blood pressure and kidney conditions, with future themes shaped by community input.
Many people from Black communities are at higher risk of developing long-term health conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, high blood pressure and stroke. That’s why Black Health Legacy is here. Learn more below: