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For Janet Ocloo, research is more than a scholarly pursuit - it’s a calling shaped by personal experience and a commitment to equity and social change. Her work to highlight the challenges of caregivers of children with cerebral palsy in Ghana has earned her national recognition through a prestigious research award - and it’s setting the stage for policy change that could resonate far beyond one country.

“Winning this award was truly a dream come true,” says Ocloo, a PhD candidate in Community Health Sciences at ��������, “and a moment of immense pride and joy, not just for me but for my university and the communities I represent.”

Ocloo was recognized earlier this year with an International Doctoral Research Award from Universities Canada, the first student from �������� to receive the honour. The $20,000 award supports fieldwork that addresses critical global development challenges. 

Born and raised in Ghana, Ocloo studied Medical Laboratory Sciences at the University of Ghana, and then earned a Master’s in Public Health Promotion from Leeds Beckett University in the UK. She arrived in Prince George in 2023 to pursue a PhD in Health Sciences at ��������, specializing in Public Health Promotion in Global Health.

“My research explores the everyday realities of Ghanian caregivers for children with cerebral palsy, and the support systems, or lack thereof, that impact their quality of life,” says Ocloo. “Ultimately, my study aims to influence policy and practice to create more supportive environments for these caregivers and the children they look after.”

For Ocloo, the motivation behind the work is deeply personal. 

“During my master’s research, I listened to heartbreaking stories of caregivers facing unimaginable challenges; social exclusion, stigma, financial burdens, and the emotional toll of providing care with little to no support. As a mother, a researcher and someone with lived experience in this space, I could not turn away from these stories.”

As part of her research, Ocloo is connecting with caregivers, pediatric healthcare professionals, government health agencies and academic mentors in both Ghana and Canada. 

“Caregiving is an invisible labour. Caregivers of children with cerebral palsy in Ghana face overwhelming challenges yet their voices are often unheard. My research seeks to change that by documenting their stories and advocating for stronger support systems.”

In addition to her work in Ghana, Ocloo hopes the findings can provide insight into how other regions, including rural and remote areas of northern British Columbia, can better support caregivers. 

“The lessons from Ghana can help inform approaches to caregiver support in marginalized and rural communities. But this study is not just about Ghana; it sheds light on the broader inequalities in global health and caregiving, especially in the Global South. The findings will contribute to policy discussions on disability rights, social justice, and caregiver support.”

Dr. Sarah de Leeuw, a faculty member in the Division of Medical Sciences at ��������, is supervising Ocloo’s PhD studies. De Leeuw is the Canada Research Chair in Humanities and Health Inequities and Research Director of the Health Arts Research Centre (HARC). Ocloo is a contributor to HARC.

Looking ahead, Ocloo is focused on pursuing a career in research, teaching, and policy development, with a continued focus on disability rights and health equity in the Global South. 

“For me, this is more than an academic exercise, it is a deeply personal mission to bring visibility to the struggles and resilience of caregivers in Ghana,” says Ocloo.

“My research is about justice, dignity, and systemic change. It is about making sure that no caregiver feels alone and that their labour, sacrifices, and contributions to society are recognized and supported.”