International Black Health Conference Report

Abstract

The International Black Health Conference, held in Halifax, Nova Scotia from October 6th-8th, 2022 gathered a diverse local, interprovincial, and international audience (approximately 450 attendees) including academics, health providers, policymakers, and community members, students, and youth. The purpose of this conference was to discuss Black health and how to improve health outcomes across the diversity of people of African ancestry globally. The Conference featured three keynote speakers, several plenaries, table talks, thought-provoking presentations and discussions which were connected by a common thread of structural determinants of health, including the impact of anti-Black racism and health inequities. It was a space for difficult and necessary conversations, where hope and action for change stemmed from. Fifteen table-talks were held, where attendees were grouped to discuss a previously selected topic, moderated by a discussant with expertise on the subject. Notes were taken from the table talk conversations and the main learnings are presented in this report containing diverse perspectives on important Black health issues. These learnings can guide the actions of different sectors (academics, clinicians, policymakers) to address priority issues that need action now and that are long overdue. It is everyone’s right, regardless of race, to reach their full health potential and to receive high-quality care that is appropriate to them and their needs.