The safe use of medicines within multicultural communities is the main focus of this year’s Multicultural Health Week, running now until Sunday (13 September).
Secretary of NSW Health, Elizabeth Koff launched this year’s theme, Health Literacy and Safe Use of Medicines, stressing its importance in view of research showing that people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds experience higher rates of adverse outcomes from poor medication management.
“This year has been a challenging one for all of us, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic,” Ms Koff said.
“The theme is particularly important during this time,” she said.
“The week highlights the safe use of medicines and also the role your pharmacist has in supporting your health and safe use of medicines.”
Ms Koff said the Week showcased the work of NSW Health in delivering the NSW Plan for Healthy Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities 2019-2023.
“The plan aims to ensure that people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities have equitable access to health care services that are culturally responsive, safe and high quality,” she said.
“The Week also informs multicultural communities on the important role their pharmacist has in supporting their health and the safe use of medicine.”
She said key messages during Multicultural Health Week emphasised the importance of knowing what a specific medicine was for; how to take medicine safely; the active ingredient in the medicine; and that the packaging of medicine may vary.
Director of NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service (MHCS), Lisa Woodland encouraged all communities and health professionals to access the resources developed for Multicultural Health Week.
Ms Woodland said resources for the Week included a one-minute video which highlighted the importance of talking with pharmacists about medicines, available in seven languages, and a one-page factsheet about using medicines safely, available in 29 languages.
The Multicultural Health Week resources can be accessed at this PS News link.
