A new research initiative is set to enhance long COVID outcomes in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities across Australia. The project, led by Associate Professor Kefyalew Alene from Curtin University’s School of Population Health, has received $2 million in funding from the Federal Government’s Medical Research Future Fund. This effort comes in response to evidence indicating that CALD groups experience disproportionately severe long-term effects from COVID-19.
Despite the decline in COVID-19 cases, long COVID has emerged as a persistent public health challenge worldwide. Many individuals continue to suffer from symptoms such as cognitive impairment, respiratory issues, and cardiovascular complications, which significantly hinder their ability to resume daily activities. Initial studies suggest that racial and ethnic minority communities face higher rates of hospitalization and morbidity related to long COVID, a trend likely reflected among Australia’s CALD populations.
Focus on Community Collaboration
The research project will collaborate with WA Health, community leaders, healthcare providers, and researchers to co-design culturally appropriate and evidence-based models of care. These models aim to be scalable within health systems and contribute to new national guidelines focused on preventing long COVID in CALD communities.
According to Associate Professor Alene, various factors, including language barriers, limited health literacy, and unequal access to healthcare services, may lead to the elevated prevalence of long COVID in these communities. He emphasized the importance of direct engagement with CALD populations to formulate healthcare responses that are both effective and meaningful.
“Long COVID continues to affect thousands of Australians, but its burden is not shared equally,” said Associate Professor Alene. “By co-designing this research with community leaders, clinicians, and primary care providers, we will be able to develop models of care that genuinely reflect people’s lived experiences. Our goal is to support equitable access to services and ensure that long COVID care is culturally safe, effective, and sustainable.”
The project will also evaluate long-term health outcomes among both CALD and non-CALD groups, while assessing existing care models.
Commitment to Health Equity
Professor Melinda Fitzgerald, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research at Curtin, highlighted the project’s significance in addressing global health challenges. She noted, “Curtin strives to address complex health challenges through collaboration, innovation, and deep community engagement. By translating rigorous research into practical models of care, our researchers are helping to ensure that all Australians, regardless of background, can access the support they need to recover fully from COVID and live well.”
This research initiative represents a crucial step toward improving health equity and addressing the unique challenges posed by long COVID in diverse communities. As the project unfolds, its findings are expected to inform clinical practices and enhance the overall health response for those impacted by long COVID.
