Africa Health Australia (AHA) and Western Sydney University have teamed up for the African Australian Health Survey, a landmark, baseline insight to health issues affecting people of African cultural background in metropolitan Sydney.

The survey and interview series aim to capture impact of COVID-19 on health and wellbeing, key health issues and the attitudes, behaviours and perceptions about Africans’ access to Australian health care and services systems.

Dr Vincent Ogu, AHA Chair, states that AHA provides education, outreach and access for African Australian communities to feel supported to make good health decisions. He pointed out with delight that evidence from the study is expected to be empowering for the community and valuable to the
health sector, noting that AHA is filling a critical role at the right time.

Dr Olayide Ogunsiji, Senior Lecturer at the WSU School of Nursing and Midwifery, is the principal researcher behind the study. Dr Ogunsiji said the survey will give clear information about priority health issues.

“The survey will provide the facts and figures that policy makers need about the adequacy of service provisions for African Australians,” she said.

AHA and WSU will rely on African community group leaders, religious and youth leaders to promote to their networks to fill out the survey. AHA’s network stretches nearly 70 ethnic communities and community services, advocacy and health groups.