Pacific languages a key to overcoming Covid 19 resurgence

Weekly briefings in different Pacific languages on various media outlets amid the recent Covid-19 resurgence in Auckland is a vital resource for the community, says a senior Pacific doctor.

Dr Apisalome Talemaitoga FRNZCGP, a senior member of the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) and member of the Health Ministry’s Pasifika Covid-19 response team, says the regular briefings on various Pacific media platforms complement the daily updates by Dr Ashley Bloomfield and are led by Pacific medical professionals fluent in their respective languages.

Dr Talemaitoga says since the recent Covid resurgence has mainly affected Pacific families, the weekly bulletins in languages like Samoan, Fijian, Tongan and Niuean, are essential updates in order to distribute important information to the community.

“There’s been a lot of organising to find Pacific medical staff who are fluent in their language to be part of these briefings because many of them are also working in the hospitals on the frontline.

Many of our Pacific people have low health literacy rates. Our older generation may not have a good understanding of English and find it hard to get their head around these new health concepts related to Covid-19.

It’s not as simple as ‘I’ve got this virus.’ It’s also about all the implications; what does it all mean, what’s involved and what do I need to do to help my community, like getting tested and following the health guidelines. It’s much easier to understand all of this if it’s coming from someone who speaks your own language.”

He says language has also been a focus for the staff at testing stations across Auckland. Many of the nurses are from the Pacific community and can communicate with families speaking their own language. He says this has made it easier for the 16,000 Pacific individuals in Auckland who have been tested since the Covid resurgence more than a week ago.