Best of Africa to boost vaccinations

WORDS Nicole Alberton

BEST OF AFRICA TO

BOOST VACCINATIONS

To connect her community with education on COVID-19, Constance Jones from the African Women’s Federation of South Australia reached out to the City of Salisbury to hold a special event at the Salisbury Community Hub.

“We know the challenges and hesitancy that exists in our community,” Ms Jones said.

The African-Australian community are among the many cultural groups with specific barriers to getting accurate and language-friendly advice on COVID-19 and the vaccine.

“Many of our people have come from war torn countries and they have been through a lot.

“There’s challenges with even booking the vaccines and this can deter our people from seeking support and the vaccine itself.”

A colourful tribute to African culture filled the Civic Plaza with food dished out by local eatery Mama Rashida, drum and dance by Sun of African and DJ entertainment by Urban Movement.

Mayor Gillian Aldridge OAM and member of the African Women’s Federation of SA Constance Jones.

“Africans love music, dancing and food.”

Several information stands were set up from different health authorities, including local doctors, SA Health and event sponsors Wellbeing SA.

A fun addition to the day was the ‘passport’, where attendees visited all information stands with their passport and collected different stamps at each one. Once the passport was full of stamps, they could redeem a free lunch from Mama Rashida’s food stand. help reduce any fears around COVID-19 vaccinations.”

After the success of similar smaller events, the group realised there was an opportunity to host a larger event and create a bigger impact.

“While a vaccination mobile clinic was present at the event, the main focus was on educating, engaging and building confidence in our community in a safe and familiar space.

“It takes the leaders of a community to start the conversations and to personalise the message with our culture and the ways we like to gather.”