Australia is edging closer to becoming the first country to eliminate cervical cancer, but one challenge remains—ensuring everyone gets screened. A fresh push, led by the Australian Multicultural Health Collaborative (The Collaborative), is bringing cervical screening education straight to the communities that need it most.
Backed by the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA), The Collaborative is partnering with ten grassroots organisations to support the national Own It campaign. The focus? Making screening easier, more accessible, and culturally relevant for Arabic, Cantonese, Hindi, Mandarin, Punjabi, and Vietnamese-speaking Australians.
Mary Ann Baquero Geronimo, CEO of FECCA, said the initiative is designed to remove the barriers that have stopped many from getting tested. “We’re working with trusted community leaders to run workshops, events, and campaigns in people’s native languages. When health advice comes from someone you know and trust, it makes all the difference.”
Cervical cancer is preventable, yet figures show over 70% of those diagnosed were either under-screened or had never been screened at all. The Own It campaign aims to change that by promoting self-collection—a simple swab test that people can do privately at their local clinic instead of relying on a GP or healthcare provider.
With a network stretching across New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria, the initiative is tapping into deep community ties. Groups like the Vietnamese Australian Welfare Association (NSW), Thriving Multicultural Communities (QLD), AMES Australia (SA, VIC), and Federation of Chinese Associations of Victoria are leading local efforts, making information and support available where it’s needed most.
By working with people who understand the cultural and language barriers firsthand, The Collaborative is ensuring that screening isn’t just an option—it’s an easy and comfortable choice. With the 2035 target in sight, Australia is proving that prevention can be a community effort, one conversation at a time.
Learn more: https://multiculturalhealth.
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🇦🇺 Australia is on track to eliminate #cervicalcancer, but screening gaps remain! 🔬💙 The Own It campaign is breaking barriers with culturally tailored education & self-collection options. 🌏💬 Will this push boost participation? 🏥 #TheIndianSun @iFECCAhttps://t.co/G0CGuRFCiA
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) February 23, 2025
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