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Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) / Refugees
- CALD resources and services.
- Cancer Prevention days with CALD Communities.
Click here if you have an interest in working with CALD patients.
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Publications
Research with South Australian GPs seeing Refugees
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Recent News
Help a Refugee Child or Young Person
Refugee Services (a unit within Families SA) supports young refugees who arrive in SA without parents, many of them without even a close relative. Most of these live with families who share their cultural backgrounds but some (mainly the older ones) live in group homes. Refugee Services works with these young people and the families as well as many other services, to ensure that they have real opportunities to live, learn and grow to their full potential in South Australia. However, they cannot do this on their own – they need your help! Some of what the volunteers do include; supervise access, tutor - homework help, group activities, help with accessing services. Make a difference! Contact Kouv Chang on (08) 8226 4901 or email.
Hepatitis in Refugees
The rate of hepatitis B (HBV) infection in Australia is 2.2 per 100,000 with 70% of those with chronic HBV born overseas. Refugees come from countries such as sub-Saharan African and Asia where 10% or more of the population have chronic HBV, the majority contracted in childhood. 25% of these will die of cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma from the HBV. Screening and follow-up are important to reduce transmission, vaccinate family and assess eligibility for treatment. The prevalence of hepatitis C (HCV) is high in many of the countries where refugees have been born or have stayed in transit. For example in Egypt, the prevalence of HCV antibodies is 15-20% because of transmission by health professionals during a vaccination program. It is important to do a qualitative PCR in those with antibodies to assess whether the patient has cleared the virus or needs to be considered for treatment.
The Hepatitis C Council can be contacted for those with HIV and hepatitis, by patients or GPs for information and support. Call 8362 8443 or 1800 021 133 (free call for rural callers).
The Migrant Health Service has specialised GPs and other health professionals who can assist with information or see patients for culturally sensitive education or the development of a management plan. A recent article about Hepatitis in refugees published in the Australian Family Physician can be accessed here.
Contact the Migrant Health Service on 8237 3900.
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