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Credit
Jason Strelitz's film - Final edited version. In copyright. Source: Wellcome Collection.
Jason Strelitz, Director of Public Health for the London Borough of Newham, filmed in artist's studio in September 2020.
In 2020, Jason Strelitz worked for Newham Council, where his role was to understand the health needs of the population. He worked across all areas of the borough, with a strong focus on preventing health problems rather than treating them.
Jason Strelitz reflects on Newham's deep-rooted health inequalities and the severe impact of COVID-19. Before the pandemic, most residents lived in deprived neighbourhoods, with low wages, poor housing, and unhealthy environments. COVID-19 amplified these vulnerabilities, causing high mortality despite a young population, widespread economic hardship, food insecurity, and mental health challenges.
Jason Strelitz talks about a huge loss with disproportionate effects on Black and Asian communities and men. He believes an earlier lockdown could have saved lives. He describes the emotional toll on him and his family, sleepless nights, and reliance on walking and friends and family support to cope. He believes that the community solidarity, symbolized by"Clap for Carers" initially provided collective strength.
Jason Strelitz emphasizes that the key challenge ahead is balancing infection control with protecting education, the economy, and mental health, noting that inequality risks remain high.
Keywords: Public health, Teamwork, Health inequalities, Covid messaging, Death from Covid, Education, Unemployment, Housing, Mental health, Food bank, Isolation, Loneliness