September 1, 2025Northern Health is leading the way in making genomic testing during pregnancy more accessible, culturally safe, and trusted by families from diverse backgrounds.
Professor Lisa Hui, Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist at Northern Health and Professor at the University of Melbourne, has been awarded a Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Genomics Health Futures Grant for the ImpACT-PG project (Improving Access and Community Trust in Perinatal Genomics for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations.)
Families from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, particularly South Asian communities, often face barriers to accessing genomic testing during pregnancy. The ImpACT-PG project aims to address these challenges through a consumer-driven, community-centred approach.
Over the next two years, the team will gather evidence on family experiences, co-design culturally and linguistically appropriate resources, explore ethical and policy challenges, and develop a framework to monitor equity and effectiveness in perinatal genomic screening across Victoria.
The project is delivered in partnership with the University of Melbourne, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Monash University, the Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health, Safer Care Victoria, Genetic Support Network Victoria, and other community and government partners.
Northern Health serves one of the most culturally diverse communities in Victoria, with more than 160 languages spoken, and one in four babies born to women of South Asian background.
“Northern Health looks after a vibrant, culturally diverse community. It is vital that our genomic care reflects the needs and values of these families, so that all parents can make informed decisions in pregnancy,” says Professor Lisa Hui.
By focusing on South Asian families, the project will directly benefit patients and provide evidence to inform care for clinicians across Victoria. Patients will gain improved access to genomic testing, resources in their preferred language, and greater confidence in genomic care. Staff will benefit from tools, training, and a scalable model to support culturally safe communication, practice, and policy improvements.
By the end of the project, ImpACT-PG will deliver new evidence on the experiences of South Asian and CALD families, culturally tailored communication resources for families and clinicians, and a framework for equitable genomic care that can be scaled across the state.
