By CHIDINMA EWUNONU-ALUKO

Ms. Oluwakemi Alo, a health communication researcher and alumna of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, has been awarded the competitive 2025–2026 SLU 1818 Community Engagement Grant.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Alo, a Graduate Research Assistant at Saint Louis University (SLU), is one of only 18 recipients selected for the prestigious university-wide award.

Alo is leading a multilingual initiative designed to increase ovarian cancer awareness among underserved immigrant and refugee communities through culturally tailored communication strategies and improved access to reliable health information.

The project Integrates a QR code-based delivery system and a centralised landing page she developed to expand access to ovarian cancer resources and promote the Free Genetic Testing Programme by Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA).

She told NAN on Friday in Ibadan that the programme enabled individuals to better understand their risk for ovarian cancer and to make informed health decisions based on genetic insights and early detection opportunities.

Alo said the initiative adapted English-language materials from Saint Louis Ovarian Cancer Awareness (SLOCA) into five additional languages, producing 2,000 printed copies alongside audio, video, and digital educational resources.

She added that the materials would be deployed by SLOCA and shared with partner organisations to support wider outreach and sustained community engagement efforts.

According to her, the audio and video components combine adapted content from SLOCA and OCRA with research-informed information curated specifically to meet the needs of the target populations.

Alo noted that she works closely with community partners to ensure the materials are culturally relevant, accessible, and effective in addressing the specific barriers faced by immigrant and refugee communities.

“The initiative partners with SLOCA, Christian Friends of New Americans, Immigrant and Refugee Ministry, Casa de Salud, and OCRA,” she said.

She explained that the collaboration integrated educational materials, outreach activities, and workshop-based engagement to reach populations with limited access to ovarian cancer information and preventive services.

“Many immigrant and refugee communities face barriers to critical health information.

“This project provides accessible, multilingual materials so women can recognise symptoms, understand risks, and locate prevention and testing resources,” Alo said.

NAN reports that Alo oversees the initiative from concept development and design to production and community-focused implementation, ensuring alignment with both research and public health communication best practices.

She is scheduled to present the project at the 1818 Community Engagement Grant Showcase on April 30, 2026, at Saint Louis University’s Centre for Global Citizenship.

Beyond this project, Alo has contributed to academic and professional development through conference co-authorship, peer review activities, and participation in communication and innovation judging panels. (NAN)