Peer Health Navigators to improve equity and access to health care in Australia: Can we build on successes from the COVID-19 pandemic?

Abstract

COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on disadvantaged people and migrant communities globally.1 During Australia’s deadly Delta wave, migrants and refugees experienced a mortality rate up to 80 times higher than people born in Australia.2 These populations were slower to take up vaccination,3,4 and more likely to have preexisting health problems that placed them at disproportionally greater risk of deterioration if they contracted the virus.5 In addition, they experienced vulnerabilities related to their ability to trust information provided by figures of authority 6 and how to navigate unfamiliar health systems that present cultural and/or linguistic barriers. Migrant and refugee populations are often underrepresented in health care delivery and leadership roles within mainstream health services, which can compound the mistrust and estrangement from health care service engagement.