As the Chair of ELREC, an equality organisation, I want to share some of our concerns in regards to Covid and the roll out of the vaccine, especially amongst BAME groups.
Since the start of this pandemic, it’s been obvious that information has not always been disseminated properly specifically amongst our local ethnic minority communities.
There hasn’t been official translated information made available to minority groups, specifically to those with language and literacy issues which is quite prevalent amongst the older BAME generations.
People not being able to understand something is daunting as it is but if it relates to their health and wellbeing then it’s an actual risk to them. Many older south Asians living in Edinburgh and Lothians rely on friends and family to relay information to them, and this doesn’t always happen so they are left to rely on foreign messages which may not always be correct.
During the Covid-19 pandemic the information hasn’t always been executed the best or in a responsible manner which has led to many relying on other sources.
Misinformation in these circumstances can be just as deadly as the virus. People need to know factual information about every aspect of the pandemic. As the vaccine is being rolled out, we need to know the facts, in order to ensure all individuals are vaccinated.
We need facts, such as the ingredients and side effects. Many BAME people have underlying health issues and illnesses specific to their groups so how will the vaccine affect them, has it been tested vastly and diversely enough.
Everyone has the right to correct information, in a manner they understand and can apply to their lives and this is the responsibility of every government. I call on the Scottish Government to ensure the facts regarding the vaccine are communicated to the BAME community in a way that reassures them.
Foysol Choudhury MBE
Chair. Edinburgh and Lothian Regional Equality Council
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