Developing practical COVID-19 information for the Pasifika community

The University of Sydney has partnered with Multiculturalism NSW, NSW Health and Core Pacific Collective representing four community groups, to develop an accessible COVID-19 Toolkit in six Pasifika languages.

Led by Professor Jioji Ravulo, this initiative is aimed at challenging misconceptions circulating across communities and addressing common concerns in Pasifika families around COVID-19 transmission, symptoms, vaccines, testing and managing the illness at home. By providing practical tips and community-friendly information, the document is aimed at improving community resilience, preparedness and understanding. This is particularly important for a lot of Pasifika families who live in multigenerational homes and are worried about the negative and long-term impacts of the virus.

In acting as a community consultant and mental health expert on the project, Professor Ravulo, who is of Fijian Indigenous heritage, recognised the challenge for communities to get correct information and access to resources and feel included in the shared conversation around the virus.

This collaborative project led to a 33-page booklet, called COVID-19 HOPE Toolkit (Help Options for Preparedness in Emergency), covering practical tips on where to get the vaccines, how to do a RAT, what to do if you need to isolate, what symptoms to look out for and specialised information for seniors and vulnerable people, including those living with a disability and people who are not vaccinated.

It was launched online by the Hon. Mark Coure, Minister for Multiculturalism and Seniors, who praised the collaborative effort of the project contributors, especially the Pacific communities.