The Federation of Black Canadians (FBC) is thrilled to share the progress and milestones achieved through the Resiliency Through COVID-19 project. This initiative, originally funded as a COVID-19 grant project in 2021-2022, has blossomed into a series of academic contributions that amplify the voices and experiences of Black communities across Canada during the pandemic. This brings us one step close to achieving Black Health equity in Canada.
From Grant Report to Academic Research
Led by Dr. Obidimma Ezezika and a dedicated research team, the initial grant project aimed to examine the health impacts of COVID-19 on Black communities in Canada, addressing barriers, facilitators, and attitudes toward public health measures and vaccination. Following the completion of the grant report, the team identified a wealth of valuable insights that warranted further academic exploration. This led to the creation of four distinct research articles, each addressing critical aspects of the study.
Overcoming Challenges in Academic Publishing
Today, we are proud to announce that three of the four articles have been published as peer-reviewed, respected academic pieces, with the fourth still under review.
Published Research Articles
- Examining Barriers, Facilitators, and Attitudes Towards COVID-19 Vaccination and Public Health Measures for Black Communities in Canada: A Qualitative Study Protocol
Published in BMJ Open (2022), this article outlines the methodological framework used to explore vaccination hesitancy and public health measures among Black Canadians.
Citation: Ezezika, O., Girmay, B., Adedugbe, T., Jonas, I., Thullah, Y., & Thompson, C. (2022). BMJ Open, 12(12):e063528, 1-7.
Access: Read the article - What is the Health Impact of COVID-19 Among Black Communities in Canada? A Systematic Review
Published in the Canadian Journal of Public Health (2023), this systematic review highlights the disproportionate health challenges faced by Black communities during the pandemic.
Citation: Ezezika, O., Girmay, B., Mengistu, M., & Barrett, K. (2023). Canadian Journal of Public Health, 114, 62–71.
Access: Read the article - Resilience Throughout COVID-19: Unmasking the Realities of COVID-19 and Vaccination Facilitators, Barriers, and Attitudes Among Black Canadians
Published in PLOS ONE (2024), this study delves deeper into the lived experiences of Black Canadians, emphasizing resilience and adaptability in the face of unprecedented challenges.
Citation: Ezezika, O., Adedugbe, T., Jonas, I., Mengistu, M., Graham, T., Girmay, B., Thullah, Y., & Thompson, C. (2024). PLOS ONE, 19(8):e0304904.
Access: Read the article - COVID-19 Public Health Measures Among Black Communities in Canada: A Qualitative Study of the Barriers and Facilitators
Currently under review with Global Health, this article aims to provide further insights into the effectiveness of public health measures tailored to Black communities.
Looking Ahead
The publication of these articles represents a significant achievement for the Resiliency Through COVID-19 project, showcasing the power of community-based research to influence academic discourse and inform policy. As we await the final article’s review outcome, FBC remains committed to leveraging this body of work to advocate for equitable public health policies that address the unique needs of Black communities.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Obidimma Ezezika, the research team, and our community partners for their dedication and resilience throughout this journey. Together, we continue to champion the health and well-being of Black Canadians.
Stay connected for further updates and explore the full scope of the Resiliency Through COVID-19 project on our landing page.
