African migrants’ perception and attitude towards COVID-19 pandemic and its public health response in New South Wales, Australia: a qualitative study

The success of a public health response to an infectious disease outbreak depends on the public perception and attitude towards its risks and the significance of preventive approaches. Understanding public perceptions and attitudes is critical, especially for the migrant population. Our study explored African migrants’ perceptions and attitudes towards the COVID-19 pandemic and its public health response in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. We employed an inductive, qualitative research design. We conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 21 African migrants across New South Wales. We analysed our data thematically. Our findings suggest that African migrants were sceptical about the severity of COVID-19 and Australia’s public health response. Such scepticism was enhanced by conspiracy theories, mixed messaging, poor community engagement, and perceived racial and cultural hyper-policing of African migrants during the pandemic, which affected the uptake of the COVID-19 response intervention. Vaccine hesitancy was also seen to be underpinned by apprehensions about efficacy and safety, and the need for boosters. Such concerns were deepened by mistrust of government authorities and initiatives. African migrants in NSW interpreted COVID-19 and its response through an Afrocentric lens. Misinformation and distrust hindered vaccine uptake, highlighting the importance of community engagement in public health initiatives to build trust and counter misinformation.