Support for Communities - Malak (22) Project

Promoting COVID 19 vaccination booster dose

Malak Foundation will work through our close understanding of the Sudanese community in Victoria and the available social and behavioural data to address barriers to vaccination uptake. We aim to develop tailored, evidence-informed strategies and communication plans to maximize community engagement in COVID 19 Vaccination.

Malak foundation will target the Sudanese community in Victoria through people-centred motivational interviews designed to increase targeted community motivation and the likelihood of health behaviour uptake. 

The goal of motivational interviewing is to help people manage mixed feelings and move toward healthy behaviour change that is consistent with their values and needs. In addition, these motivational interviews will address community barriers to COVID Vaccination by using a culturally sensitive approach to correcting misperceptions, increasing health Literacy, and addressing Uncertainty.

For information about how to book your COVID-19 vaccine appointment click the button below

 Food Security Program

Malak Foundation Food security program targets members of the Sudanese community in Victoria who are highly affected by COVID 19 Pandemic control measures, prolonged lockdowns and isolation measures. 

Our priority will be targeting Lower socioeconomic groups, particularly non-welfare recipients, international students, single mothers, and new refugees. These groups are expected to be disadvantaged by price inflation and the cost of nutritious foods. Therefore, they are less likely to eat according to dietary guidelines and are more likely to consume lesser quantities and more energy-dense, nutrient-poor food, which will affect their health and well-being.

We at Malak Foundation work in collaboration with the local Sudanese Community Association in Victoria SCAV to identify vulnerable individuals and families to build strong, self-reliant, resilient communities.

Concerning the four pillars of food security, the Malak foundation’s strategy to address food security in the Sudanese community in Victoria will consider addressing both availability and accessibility factors. We at Malak Foundation will seek to achieve this target by implementing a food voucher program for identified families and individuals, which will allow them to choose their preferred food choices. 

Some of the services that we work with to meet our goals:

Mental Health program intervention

Pandemics such as COVID-19 often disrupt populations, which may account for the increased population mental health burden. Many factors are known to contribute to adverse mental health during the pandemic, such as health threats (to self and loved ones); disruptions to routines; quarantine and social distancing; financial setbacks due to loss of work, and shortages of food, medicines, and other essential items; exposure to death of self and loved ones; inability to practice everyday religious and cultural rituals around mourning the deceased; and indirect exposure to trauma.

Malak Foundation seeks to enhance mental health outcomes and the well-being of Sudanese community members in Victoria through interventions such as community engagement and social networks that positively promote community mental health. Furthermore, the Malak Foundation aims at increasing the access of the Sudanese community in Victoria to the available mental health services. 

Information about Victoria's mental health and wellbeing services can be accessed by clicking on the button below

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