As a proud NBTA member, I’m thrilled to share the fantastic news that the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Ethnicity Transplantation and Transfusion has been re-launched. This group is vital for tackling the inequalities in blood transfusion and organ and stem cell transplantation that continue to affect mixed heritage and ethnic minority communities.

For those who might not know, this APPG was originally formed in late 2022 and has already made huge strides in raising awareness about the urgent need for more diverse donors. The group’s hard-hitting and seminal report, “Where are our nation’s donors?” published in December 2023, highlighted the stark reality: ethnic minority patients face much poorer outcomes when it comes to finding a match for life-saving transplants and transfusions.

When Parliament was dissolved in May 2024, the APPG’s work had to pause. But as of 14 October this year, it’s back—with Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP as Chair and with secretariat support from NBTA, led by it Chair, Orin Lewis OBE.  This is a big moment. It’s not just about having the APPG up and running again; it’s about redoubling our efforts and focusing on action. We’ve already got a strong foundation thanks to the incredible work done in the group’s first term, including the brilliant leadership of Sarah Olney MP, through last years inquiry.

The challenges remain stark. Patients from ethnic minority backgrounds are still far less likely to find a donor match compared to white patients. This needs to change – and fast. The APPG is committed to driving that change, and I know with Orin’s leadership and Bell’s determination, they’ll make things happen.

A huge thank you to everyone who’s supported this journey so far, from the campaigners and donors to the politicians and community leaders who’ve stepped up. During this Parliament, we want to see the issues raised within the “Where are our nation’s donors?” report addressed and its recommendations progressed.

Thank you for your support. Together, we can make this happen.

Yaser Margot, Team Margot