Supporting equitable cervical cancer elimination for Australia's culturally and linguistically diverse communities: A call for intersectoral action

Abstract

Cervical cancer is a preventable disease and is related to persistent health equities. Whilst several priority populations face health inequities related to cervical cancer prevention, my co-authors and I bring special attention to those who identify as culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD). By reflecting on some of our research and work experiences, we propose four ways that governments and policymakers can enact the community engagement goals of the published and proposed cervical cancer prevention and treatment strategies for CALD communities. This includes: (1) Developing a culturally appropriate approach to collecting and interpreting cultural, ethnic and linguistic data; (2) Building and adapting the effective multicultural community policies and partnerships developed during COVID-19; (3) Incorporating national strategy recommendations across all relevant government policies and (4) Sustainably resourcing and supporting participatory health promotion activities and interventions. By implementing the recommendations above, Australia will continue to lead the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem. It will demonstrate how genuine and authentic CALD partnerships and collaborations can reduce national CALD health inequities.