First Nations COVID-19 outreach and response

With the outbreak of COVID-19 around the world, Australia watched the effects of the pandemic on other nations and the devastation that was wrought on First Nations communities. Modelling of disease spread in our own First Nations communities suggested that any outbreak would be likely to be difficult, if not impossible to control within the community and would put vulnerable peoples at risk of infection and death.

Looking to the experience of the Navajo communities in the U.S.A, the Tropical Public Health Servces Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island First Nations COVID-19 Outreach and Rapid Response Team developed strategic and operational responses to reduce potential impacts of COVID-19 on the community.

The service received National Partnership Agreement Funding through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Division.