Symposium Abstract:The collection of race and ethnicity data in health datasets is an important element of an equitable public health system. Health statistics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culturally and linguistically diverse populations in Australia can allow gaps in health care and outcomes to be identified. This may inform the development of targeted services to be delivered to the people and places where they are most needed. Speakers will share some historic and contemporary Australian and international examples of when such data have not been available, the impact this has on health equity, how data deficiencies have or may be overcome, and the critical need for strong data governance over how such data is collected, recorded, and reported.

Speakers

Professor Ian Ring, James Cook University

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health information: progress, pitfalls, prospects

Dr Mandy Truong, Monash University & Menzies School of Health Research

& Dr Jocelyn Chan, Murdoch's Childrens Research Institute

Diversity and COVID-19 vaccine rollout: we can't fix what we can't see.

Dr Tamara Butler, Menzies School of Health Research

A/Professor Lisa Whop, Australian National University

The global effort to eliminate cervical cancer: What does the data tell us about inequities within Australia?

Dr Kalinda Griffiths, University of New South Wales

Data governance and Indigenous health measurement: a global perspective

This symposium is co-hosted by the Australasian Epidemiological Association and Menzies School of Health Research, and moderated by Dr Abbey Diaz from the Menzies School of Health Research and Vice President of the Australasian Epidemiological Association.   The talks will be followed by a 30 minute panel Q&A. Please submit your questions via the chat function in zoom.

A zoom link will be sent prior to the event. Please check and keep an eye out for this and check your junk folder. If you do not receive the link, please e-mail abbey.diaz@menzies.edu.au