One driving force behind our wider research program is a desire to work inclusively with those from marginalized populations and communities (including refugees, those who are homeless, LGBTIQA+ and those from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities) to help improve their health and health care.
Key academics
- Dr Abela Mahimbo
- Dr Daniel Demant
- Dr Deb Debono
- Distinguished Professor Jon Adams
- Dr Shannon Lin
- Dr Wenbo Peng
- Professor Andrew Hayen
- Professor Faye McMillan
- Dr Rachel Grove
- Professor David Sibbritt
- Associated Professor Jane Frawley
- Bo-Huei Huang
- Associate Professor Kris Rogers
- Dr Sungwon Chang
- Associate Professor Anne Grunseit
- Hope Foley
- Professor Emily Callander
- Bernard Saliba
- Professor Angela Dawson
- Albie Sharpe
- Dr Nikki Percival
Case studies
Dr Abela Mahimbo
When the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out began in early 2021, NSW health authorities sought a “rapid response” to address potential hesitancy among refugee communities. The NSW Refugee Health Service commissioned and funded a team led by Dr Abela Mahimbo, Senior Lecturer, to conduct research among speakers of Arabic, Dari, Dinka and Karen, and make recommendations for maximising vaccine literacy, vaccine take-up and equitable access.
The project was the first of its kind to engage refugees both as stakeholders and as end-beneficiaries of the project. Bilingual community educators (BCEs) from the Refugee Health Service were involved in the research throughout, helping with project design, assisted with participant recruitment and data collection and facilitating focus groups. Their own research capacity was enhanced through training workshops.
The study provided timely insights into strategies for engaging effectively with community leaders and NGO representatives: practical use by “end-users” trying to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake rates in these communities such as the Local Health District staff, the Ministry of Health especially via Multicultural NSW and Multicultural Health Communications Service; and via New South Wales Refugee Health Service Bilingual Community Educators promoting vaccination in their communities as trusted sources of information.
Publications