Culturally and linguistically diverse voices and views in COVID-19 pandemic plans and policies

Authors

  • Nafiseh Ghafournia Multicultural Health Service, Hunter New England Health, Wallsend, New South Wales, Australia; The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
  • Peter D Massey College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
  • Sunita J Rebecca Healey Multicultural Health Service, Hunter New England Health, Wallsend, New South Wales, Australia; The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
  • Bhavi Ravindran The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5365/wpsar.2022.13.2.915

Abstract

Objective: This paper presents a rapid assessment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic plans and explores the representation of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in such plans. Four levels of pandemic plans were reviewed: regional, state, national and international.

Methods: Discussions with representatives from four CALD communities informed the development of search and selection criteria for the COVID-19 plans, which were gathered and assessed using a CALD lens. Six COVID-19 pandemic plans that met the inclusion criteria were critically assessed.

Results: The reviewed plans did not report any CALD community voices, views or consultations with community groups in the development phase, nor did they acknowledge the diversity of CALD populations. A few plans noted the vulnerability of CALD communities, but none discussed the challenges CALD communities face in accessing health information or health services during the pandemic, or other structural barriers (social determinants of health).

Discussion: Our analysis revealed major gaps in all pandemic plans in terms of engaging with immigrant or CALD communities. Policies and plans that address and consider the complex needs and challenges of CALD communities are essential. Collaboration between public health services, multicultural services and policy-makers is vital for the inclusion of this higher-risk population.

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Published

02-05-2022

How to Cite

1.
Ghafournia N, Massey PD, Healey SJR, Ravindran B. Culturally and linguistically diverse voices and views in COVID-19 pandemic plans and policies. Western Pac Surveill Response J [Internet]. 2022 May 2 [cited 2026 Mar. 23];13(2). Available from: https://ojs.wpro.who.int/ojs/index.php/wpsar/article/view/915

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 2 (2022): April ‒ June

Section

COVID-19: Brief Report

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