Australia is one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse countries in the world. However, some people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds face greater challenges when dealing with the health and welfare system. Language barriers, lower health literacy, and difficulties navigating an unfamiliar system put them at greater risk of poorer quality health care, service delivery and poorer health outcomes compared with other Australians.
Several Australian Government strategies identify people from CALD backgrounds as a priority population. Understanding patterns of disease and access to services within this community is important to being able to address the needs of CALD people in Australia.
AIHW reports and other products include information about CALD Australians where data permits. This page will feature products which focus specifically on CALD Australians.