Ethnicity Data Could Give Us The Edge We Need Against The Current Outbreak

Governments around the world have all realised that COVID-19 disproportionately affects people of colour from cultural minorities. However, Australia is lacking clear data on how COVID-19 is affecting different ethnic groups. Professor of Sociology, Andrew Jakubowicz, believes gathering this ethnicity data during COVID-19 testing could help us get on top of the current outbreak.

Knowing what ethnic and cultural groups are most vulnerable in this current outbreak is crucial for developing more effective public health strategy. Differences in living situations, languages, access to healthcare and vaccines, health literacy, and economic resources all affect public health strategies. As Prof. Jakubowicz says, “In order to support people effectively, craft appropriate messaging and predict transmission pathways, it is crucial to use the languages, cultures and local networks that bind these communities together.”

All people of Australia should be able to access clear public health messaging, testing, vaccines and financial relief during this pandemic.

Sove CPAP Clinic is a leading Australian provider of Respiratory, Sleep Disorders, Cardiology and PPE services and products. Based in Sydney, it has a network of 40 clinics nationwide.