Abi Fapohunda

Contributions to Public Health

• My expertise lies in addressing health inequities among African American communities and Black people in the African Diaspora. I teach undergraduate and graduate courses on topics that include African American health, social determinants of health, global health, and research methods with a strong focus on race and equity. I’ve contributed to two multidisciplinary projects in Pittsburgh, which examined the historical and ongoing challenges facing Black and Brown communities. (The Black Women, Femmes and Individuals Health Projects and the Pittsburgh Transformations Project: Race, Migration, Education, and Healthcare).
  • Turk, M. T., Kalarchian, M. A., Nolfi, D., & Fapohunda, A. (2019). Prevention and treatment of overweight and obesity among African immigrant populations: A systematic review of literature. Annual review of Nursing Research, 37 (1), 161-186.
  • Ibe-Lamberts, Kelechi D.; Ilunga Tshiswaka, Daudet; and Fapohunda, Abi "Exploring the Cultural Perceptions of Physical Activity among Transnational Nigerian Immigrants," Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice, 2018; Vol. 11: Issue. 4, Article 3.
  • Karen E. Jakub, Melanie T. Turk, Abi Fapohunda, Rick Zoucha: Cultural Beliefs, Perceptions, and Practices of Young Adult Offspring of African Immigrants Regarding Healthy Eating and Activity. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 2018; Vol. 29 Issue 6, 548-554 https://doi.org/10.1177/1043659618761532
• In my international health research work, I collaborated with the Gift of Living Donation (GOLD) in the United Kingdom, where we focused on living organ donation among Black communities. At Lakeshore Cancer Center (LCC) in Nigeria, we concentrated on cancer care. We also developed an e-learning training program called "Learn with Lakeshore”,  which aims to enhance cancer awareness, diagnosis, and treatment for healthcare practitioners in Nigeria. The courses we developed include “Back to Basics: Cancer Screening & Referral” and “Cervical Cancer and HPV Vaccination.”
  • Fapohunda, A., Fakolade, A., & Ilegbune, O. (2021). Leveraging eLearning tools to improve cervical and breast cancer screening and diagnosis in Lagos, Nigeria. Cities & Health, 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1080/23748834.2021.1907500
  • Fapohunda, A., Fakolade, A., Omiye, J., Afolaranmi, O., Arowojolu, O., Oyebamiji, T., Nwogu, C., Olawaiye, A., & Mutiu, J. Cancer presentation patterns in Lagos, Nigeria: Experience from a private cancer center. Journal of Public Health in Africa, 2020, 11(2). https://doi.org/10.4081/jphia.2020.1138
• Supported by a Global Academic Partnership Award from Pitt Global Studies Center, the Global TEACH Project is a student-led, transnational initiative addressing cancer care disparities in Nigeria and Appalachia. Students from the Universities of Pittsburgh and Babcock engaged in expert-led sessions, webinars, and community research to raise awareness and to develop localized cancer campaigns addition to teaching and research, I have consulted for many organizations addressing public health issues. My experience as an independent public health consultant and evaluator spans over 20 years, and I have completed more than thirty health-related projects. I am a board member/trustee for several organizations here and abroad.
  • Abdul Hamid Alhassan RH, Haggerty CL, Fapohunda A, Affan NJ, Anto-Ocrah M. Exploring the Use of Digital Educational Tools for Sexual and Reproductive Health in Sub-Saharan Africa: Systematic Review. JMIR Public Health Surveill. 2025 Feb 26;11:e63309. doi: 10.2196/63309. PMID: 40009849; PMCID: PMC11904370.
  • Abdul Hamid Alhassan R, Baumann S, Fapohounda A, Tiah JAY, Laari TT, Narbey L, Niemczyk NA, Bam V, Anto-Ocrah M. Men as Midwifery Professionals: A Scoping Review. Birth. 2024 Dec 9. doi: 10.1111/birt.12894. PMID: 39654408.
• I am dedicated to teaching students and preparing students for graduate studies or successful careers, particularly in global health through transnational collaboration.