Mary Adelua Advocates for Health Equity in Clinical Trials and Culturally Sensitive Healthcare for African Immigrants

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

In a groundbreaking effort to improve health outcomes for African immigrants in the United States, communications researcher Mary Adelua is pushing for increased inclusion of African immigrants in clinical trials. Through her research, Adelua highlights the critical need for diverse representation in medical studies, ensuring that healthcare treatments and interventions are effective across all populations, including marginalized groups.

Adelua’s research focuses on the barriers that African immigrants face when participating in clinical trials, including a lack of trust and limited understanding of the benefits of participation. Her work aims to bridge this gap by advocating for more culturally sensitive communication strategies. She stresses that effective communication between healthcare providers and African immigrant patients is key to fostering trust and improving healthcare engagement.

“Including African immigrants in clinical trials is not just a matter of representation—it’s a matter of health equity,” Adelua explains. “We need communication that resonates with these communities, that acknowledges their unique cultural contexts and builds trust in the healthcare system.”

Adelua’s research goes beyond clinical trials. She is also addressing how healthcare providers can better communicate with African immigrant patients through culturally sensitive interactions. By promoting greater awareness and training for healthcare professionals, Adelua aims to improve patient-provider relationships, ensuring African immigrants receive the quality care they deserve.

Her work has garnered attention at academic conferences and through publications, sparking conversations about the urgent need for inclusivity in healthcare research and practice. As her advocacy continues to gain momentum, Adelua’s vision is clear: a healthcare system that recognizes and meets the needs of all patients, regardless of their cultural or ethnic backgrounds.