The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is spearheading a crucial initiative to address health disparities among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) populations. Led by medical student Ryan Hiroshi “Keliʻi” Shontell, the initiative focuses on disaggregating NHPI health data to better understand and combat health issues, particularly cancer, within these communities.
Shontell emphasizes the importance of breaking down NHPI data, which is often aggregated with Asian data, leading to a significant underrepresentation of NHPI health outcomes. This aggregation masks the true extent of health disparities faced by NHPI populations. By disaggregating the data, Shontell and his team aim to highlight the specific health challenges and improve targeted interventions.
The initiative is part of Shontell’s work with the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) and the Taparra Lab. Their research has already revealed alarming cancer outcomes among Native Hawaiians, underscoring the need for more precise data collection and reporting. Shontell hopes that their efforts will inspire researchers worldwide to adopt similar practices, ultimately benefiting future generations of NHPI communities.
This initiative represents a significant step towards equitable healthcare for NHPI populations, ensuring that their unique health needs are recognized and addressed.
See: Med student’s quest to improve Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander data (September 24, 2024)