M
igrant and refugee women across Australia will continue to have access to health education in their preferred languages under a new $10.8 million investment in the Health in My Language Program.
The Australian Government announced the two-year funding on 23 September, with the Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health continuing to lead the program in partnership with seven organisations across the country.
The program provides free health education sessions delivered by bilingual health educators. The sessions cover health information and support women in understanding and navigating Australian health services.
The government says language differences, health literacy and unfamiliarity with the healthcare system can create barriers for some migrant and refugee women seeking information and services. The program uses bilingual educators with community connections and lived experience to provide information in languages participants understand.
Sessions give participants an opportunity to ask questions, discuss health concerns and learn how to access relevant services.
The Health in My Language Program began in 2022. According to the government, about $35 million has been invested in the program since then, with more than 8,000 people from migrant and refugee communities taking part in sessions delivered in more than 30 languages across every state and territory.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Dr Anne Aly said access to health information should not depend on a person’s ability to communicate in English.
“This program ensures migrant and refugee women can receive trusted, culturally appropriate information in a language they understand,” Dr Aly said.
Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Rebecca White said the program was delivered by bilingual educators who understand the communities they work with.
She said an evaluation of the program found that women were reporting greater confidence, improved understanding of their health needs and increased confidence in navigating the healthcare system.
Case studies provided by the government include women who said the sessions helped them feel more confident about seeking medical care. One participant described previously feeling unsure about how to seek help, while another said a discussion about cancer awareness prompted her to speak privately with a health educator about symptoms she had been experiencing.
The second participant said the educator helped her arrange a GP appointment, where further medical investigations were organised and changes requiring treatment were identified. The case study is an individual account provided by the government and does not establish outcomes for the program as a whole.
The latest funding will allow the Health in My Language Program to continue providing health education and support through community-based bilingual services across Australia.
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