First Nations

Healthcare disparities continue to affect First Nations communities, with significant gaps in maternal and infant health outcomes compared to the general population. These disparities include higher rates of preterm birth, maternal complications, and limited access to culturally appropriate and safe healthcare services.

Explore our Research

At WIRF, we are committed to addressing these inequities through dedicated research that focuses on the unique health needs of First Nations women, babies, and families.

By working closely with First Nations communities, we aim to create culturally relevant solutions that improve health outcomes and ensure equitable access to quality care. Through collaboration, innovation, and respect for cultural perspectives, WIRF strives to reduce health disparities and improve the wellbeing of First Nations communities across Australia.

Lyfe Languages in the Spotlight

The Lyfe Languages project, in partnership with WIRF, aims to reduce the language and cultural barrier between patients and healthcare providers. The pioneering Pilbara-born medical and scientific platform was built by and for Indigenous people to enable healthcare providers to consult with patients and families in their first language, in a culturally appropriate way. The initiative aims to transform healthcare access and delivery, and improve health outcomes, by helping to close the healthcare communication gap. WIRF is proud to be working with the Lyfe Languages team on this innovative program that pairs the world’s oldest continuous culture with the world’s newest technologies to help close the gap for First Nations patients.

First Nations projects

********** **************

Enable us to fund innovative research and vital support services

What’s new at WIRF

Stay up to date on our latest research breakthroughs, community initiatives, events and ways to get involved.

View all our news

News 4 mins read

Ladies Long Table Lunch raises $32,000 for women’s and infants health research

The second annual Ladies Long Table Lunch, held at Hillarys Yacht Club as part of the Hillarys Boat Show on Friday 20 March, has raised an outstanding $32,000 in support of WIRF.

News 2 mins read

WIRF partners with Safewill to offer free Wills during Charity Wills Week

The Women and Infants Research Foundation has partnered with Safewill to offer people the opportunity to write a free, legally binding Will during Charity Wills Week.

News 3 mins read

Hannah Watson awarded PhD scholarship to advance safer, more personalised care for premature babies

Emerging researcher Hannah Watson has been awarded a University of Western Australia PhD scholarship, with additional top-up funding from WIRF, to undertake research aimed at improving outcomes for babies born too early.

News 1 min read

WIRF to invest $500,000 in research through 2026 Research Acceleration Awards

Monday 2 March 2026 - Applications are officially open for the WIRF 2026 Research Acceleration Awards, a major funding initiative supporting Western Australian researchers to advance breakthroughs in women’s, maternal, and newborn health.