Study Explores COVID-19 Communication Gaps in Diverse Sydney Communities

Jun 9, 2025 | News

Danielle Greene, PRI Chief Operating Officer for CUNY SPH, coauthored a new article published in Public Health titled Insights from stakeholders in Sydney’s diverse ethnic communities during the COVID-19 Delta phase. The study examines how culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in Greater Sydney were impacted by the COVID-19 Delta wave and how health and social services responded.

Key findings include:

  • Mixed Messaging: CALD communities reported confusion due to inconsistent public health guidance between federal and state levels, which eroded trust and hampered vaccine rollout.
  • Misinformation and Disinformation: Community leaders struggled to counter antivaccine narratives, especially in Arabic-speaking communities where fear of backlash limited public health advocacy.
  • Cross-Cultural Misunderstandings: Terms like “household” were interpreted differently across cultures, complicating efforts to apply restrictions effectively.

The study also highlights community-driven solutions, including:

  • Collaborations between government and community organizations to create translated health materials;
  • Mobile vaccination clinics at cultural events and religious centers;
  • Telehealth outreach and social media strategies tailored to isolated and underserved populations.

The authors recommend building sustainable CALD-informed communication systems before future health crises. Read the full article at Public Health.