Genetic Study Seeks to Understand Health Risks in British South Asian Communities

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 05:52:00 +0200

A new research initiative, Genes & Health, has been launched to investigate health conditions disproportionately affecting British Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities. The study, led by Queen Mary University of London in collaboration with NHS Trusts including The Royal Wolverhampton and Walsall Healthcare, aims to explore how genetics influence health outcomes, improve diagnosis, and guide treatments. Volunteers from Wolverhampton and Walsall are invited to provide saliva samples and complete short forms, with some participants possibly joining more detailed follow-up studies. The research particularly targets understanding higher incidences of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and overall poorer health outcomes in these communities. Mr. Fahad Hossain, a consultant and research director at Walsall Manor Hospital, emphasized that the study’s findings could have long-term impacts on public health, while Professor Tonny Veenith highlighted its importance in diversifying genetic researc