255 Enhancing translation provision in emergencies: exploring the perspectives of key stakeholders

Abstract EP3.4, e-Poster Terminal 3, September 4, 2025, 11:35 - 13:00 Aims Translation into different languages and formats is critical to prevent the linguistic exclusion of migrants and refugees during emergencies and to ensure equitable access to life-preserving information for all community members. However, communication efforts in countries with high rates of migration were markedly exclusionary during the COVID-19 pandemic, favouring the use of language varieties and formats that were inaccessible to many. This study focusses on the nature of emergency translation provision during the pandemic in Australia and how to improve emergency translation for the future. Methods In-depth semi-structured interviews were undertaken with diverse stakeholders who are involved in multilingual communication with migrant and refugee communities across Australia. Participants were asked about the challenges involved in translation provision during the pandemic; effective strategies and workflows used; and their recommendations to enhance translation in future emergencies. Results Participants discussed a wide variety of challenges that hindered effective multilingual communication during the pandemic. These included the complex nature of the initial English source text that was to be translated; logistical challenges such as rapidly changing information and time pressure; and poor official understanding of the diverse linguistic needs and preferences of migrants and refugees. Effective strategies included multilingual communication models which were bidirectional, inclusive and co-designed with community members. Tools that could be developed to facilitate translation included glossaries of emergency-related terms. The importance of preparedness measures such as establishing networks of trusted translators and communicators who could be readily mobilised in future emergencies was also highlighted. Conclusions Communication in health emergencies requires effective translation provision so that all community members have access to timely and high-quality information they can understand and act upon. The COVID-19 pandemic provides rich learnings which must be reflected upon and implemented so that migrants and refugees are not linguistically excluded and discriminated against in future emergencies.