A SALE doctor is hosting free online seminars to help keep Trafford people healthy and having positive mental and physical wellbeing.

Dr Zakariya Goga is running the sessions in response to a Public Health England review which outlines a clear need to address disparities in the risk and outcomes of COVID-19 in black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities.

The Sale-based Boundary House Medical Centre GP has a passion for preventative medicine and improving mental health.

His bespoke health and wellbeing seminar series focuses on diet, exercise and mental health and is delivered across three sessions lasting around 45 minutes. The first session – diet – was hosted last week and was well received.

He said: “In the current climate, with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever that we live as well as we can. And I think we have a duty to make a better society for all of us by addressing why this terrible virus has such a disproportionate impact on certain parts of our communities.

“Whilst our black, Asian and minority ethnic communities are a key focus, people from all backgrounds are more than welcome to join these sessions.”

The Public Health England report shows there is an association between belonging to some ethnic groups and the likelihood of testing positive and dying with COVID-19. It found that the highest age standardised diagnosis rates of COVID-19 per 100,000 population were in people of Black ethnic groups (486 in females and 649 in males) and the lowest were in people of White ethnic groups (220 in females and 224 in males).

Trafford Council, the NHS in Trafford and its partners in the local health and social care system are committed to addressing health inequalities. His next webinar will be on August 13 at 7pm and will focus on being active.