First Black health journal in Canada debuts in Edmonton
Canada now has its first Black medical journal. The Canadian Nigerian Medical Journal officially launched in Edmonton this past weekend, drawing over 1,000 Black doctors from across the country.
The journal, created by the Canadian Association of Nigerian Physicians and Dentists, aims to close healthcare gaps affecting Black Canadians. It will focus on sharing diagnoses, targeted treatments, and research tailored to the needs of Black communities.
Editor-in-chief Dr. Moses Ademola says the journal will highlight perspectives rarely found in mainstream publications. “Because of our background and culture and experiences we’ve had, we also tend to have some knowledge that is very unique, and we want to introduce that into an academic journal,” he explained.
Tackling health inequities for Black Canadians
The launch comes at a time when studies reveal clear disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. A Government of Canada public health agency report shows that Black Canadians face discrimination at multiple levels of society. This includes individual, institutional, and systemic biases that can affect the quality of care.
Dr. Modupe Tunde-Byass, a sectional head of the journal, says the vision has been decades in the making. “This is a dream that we’ve always had for the last 24 years,” she said. “Most of the people who are behind these journals have trained in two or three continents. So they are bringing knowledge, the skill set to be able to come up with this journal.”
The team hopes to create a platform that reflects the lived experiences of Black Canadians while still engaging with the broader medical community.
A global platform with open access
The Canadian Nigerian Medical Journal is peer-reviewed and will be available both in print and online as open access. This ensures that healthcare professionals, researchers, and the public worldwide can read its work without subscription costs.
Deputy editor Dr. Segun Oyedokun says affordability was a key consideration. “One of the things that also stands out is we don’t expect others to pay high fees to submit their work, because we receive significant support from members,” he said.
While the journal is rooted in Canada’s Black diaspora, it aims to attract international contributions and readership. Topics will cover issues not often addressed in other medical publications, giving visibility to overlooked health concerns.
Building for the future of Black healthcare research
Dr. Ademola believes the launch is only the beginning. “This is just the start,” he said, quoting an African proverb: “One can run fast, many can go further.” He stressed the need for collaboration to ensure the journal grows and thrives in the years ahead.
The first edition is already available, offering research and insights focused on improving outcomes for Black patients. By centering voices from within the community, the publication aims to influence both policy and practice in healthcare.
Its founders hope it will not only bridge existing gaps but also inspire a new generation of Black medical professionals and researchers to lead future breakthroughs.
