"There can be no more important task than reducing health inequities.” The words of Sir Michael Marmot were brought into sharp relief by Professor Kevin Fenton through the data he presented in his keynote address at the Black Health Inequalities Summit 2026. 

The event, spearheaded by the London Inspire Steering Group — made up of leading health innovators, including our Chief Executive, Geoffrey Ocen, and the Caribbean African Health Network (CAHN), which promotes Black health equity — brought together over 700 people from across the UK working to improve health outcomes within Black communities. The space was alive with new connections, the exchange of best practice, and a shared passion for collectively shifting the dial on Black health.

The agenda was packed with inspiring speakers and innovators. In her keynote talk, Professor Bola Owolabi CBE highlighted the importance of measuring impact, providing clear examples of progress being made in Black health outcomes through working with community champions. This further evidenced the vital work we have been doing in Haringey with trusted health champions to address barriers to access and improve health literacy.

Paulette Hamilton MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Black Health, reflected on recent breakthroughs in advancing the national conversation on Black health and the continued push for meaningful policy change.

Dr Veline Esperance from Black Health Legacy and our partner on the Research Engagement Network project, and a recent speaker at our Black Health Research Fair — shared how engagement with Black communities is helping to shape more effective approaches to diabetes care, as well as deepening our understanding of how differences in physiology and genetic make-up can influence treatment and outcomes.

David Knott, CEO of the National Lottery, and a strong ally in the equity space, spoke about the organisation’s commitment to working collaboratively: actively listening to communities, learning and adapting its approach, and placing community needs and expertise at the heart of funding decisions.

Practical examples were also shared by Evelyn Akoto from Southwark Council, who spoke about the borough’s success in tackling poor outcomes in Black maternal health through a joined-up approach between voluntary and community sector organisations, the Council, and the NHS. Her examples highlighted the importance of the work we are doing through our Racial Equity Group to bring sectors together.

The day ended with summit actions and pledges from the keynote speakers — including our Chief Executive — outlining the progress they want to see by next year.

"The most critical question is how to we involve the communities in system change and practical solutions.

Central to this is needing to find some way to address the issue of trust as everything will flow from that."

Geoffrey Ocen, Chief Executive of Bridge Renewal Trust 

Overall, the summit reinforced both the scale of the challenge and the progress being made. It highlighted the vital need for collaboration, joined up working, community leadership and evidence-led action if we are going to continue to reduce health inequalities and make steps forward in improving Black health outcomes.