Black children in the United States are disproportionately affected by asthma, a disparity deeply rooted in social and structural inequities, according to recent findings.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America highlights that the prevalence of asthma among Black children is significantly influenced by factors such as systemic racism, segregation, and discriminatory policies. These conditions are often exacerbated by living in older, poorly maintained housing exposed to allergens like dust and mold, and in areas with higher pollution levels.
Catherine Manson, a mother struggling to manage her children’s asthma, emphasized the difficulty in finding knowledgeable healthcare professionals and the necessity of being a proactive advocate for her children’s health. The lack of representation among Black doctors, including specialists like pulmonologists and allergists, further complicates access to culturally competent care and contributes to mistrust in the healthcare system.
The disparities extend beyond health implications, affecting educational outcomes due to increased absenteeism among children with asthma. Advocates argue for a more aggressive approach to addressing these disparities, pointing to the need for systemic change to combat the root causes of asthma prevalence among Black children.
Sanaz Eftekhari, Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Research at the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, and Kamora Herrington, a community organizer in Hartford, Connecticut, both stress the importance of recognizing and addressing the historical and ongoing social injustices that contribute to these health disparities.
The call to action includes increasing the representation of Black healthcare professionals and demanding societal changes to address the underlying issues of racism and inequality that fuel these disparities.
See “Black children are more likely to have asthma” by Kat Stafford on the Detroit news website (May 24, 2023)
