The Albanese Labor Government's innovative and successful Health in My Language program is entering a new phase - focusing on sexual and reproductive health for migrant and refugee communities.
The program has been enabling multicultural communities to be better informed about their health and wellbeing since 2022. For the first time, they can get culturally safe and relevant health information in their own language from trusted professionals who have a deep understanding of their communities.
So far, the program has reached more than 42,000 people.
The next phase of the program, launched today, focuses on women's sexual and reproductive health education. Topics include understanding menopause, safer sex, contraception and pregnancy choices.
The Health in My Language program is delivered by the Multicultural Centre for Women's Health in partnership with seven other organisations.
The program's educators undergo specialised training to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver culturally safe and trusted health education in languages.
This approach helps empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.
The new phase is part of the Albanese Labor Government's strong focus on improving the health and wellbeing of all Australian women and girls, including our multicultural communities. It has invested $13.3 million in the Health in My Language program.
This new phase is funded with a further $5.6 million to continue and expand the program by recruiting, training, and coordinating bicultural women's health educators.
Sexual and reproductive health education sessions are expected to begin in November, once health educator training is completed.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney MP:
"With over five million people in Australia speaking a language other than English at home, it is critical that we invest in programs that break down barriers to equitable health care for our multicultural communities. The Health in My Language program does just that."
"Already, at least 42,900 people have been touched by this program. That's 42,900 people better informed, better able to make decisions about their health in their new country.
"The health of women and girls is essential to their overall wellbeing and their ability to participate fully in society - a society that includes everyone - a multicultural society.
"Enabling multicultural communities to have access to culturally safe and appropriate health care is a key focus of mine and the Albanese Labor Government.
"This includes migrant and refugee communities being able to get culturally appropriate, tailored information about sexual and reproductive health in their own language from people who understand the cultures that help shape their communities."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship Julian Hill MP
"Already more than 42,000 Australians have been empowered by the Albanese Labor Government's Health in My Language program.
"This $5.6 million investment builds on the program's success, with a focus on women's sexual and reproductive health education.
"Migrant and refugee women historically have a lower rate of health literacy and are less likely to access healthcare than their Australian-born counterparts. By providing vital information in language, Health in My Language is breaking down barriers and empowering women from all backgrounds to make informed healthcare decisions."
