Addressing healthcare disparities: The Pharmacist innovating for access in Nigeria — Adeleke Adekola 

Adeleke Damilola Adekola’s entry into the healthcare sector was driven by a profound sense of responsibility to tackle the evident disparities in healthcare access across Nigeria. His early experiences highlighted the significant challenges individuals face, particularly in underserved communities, when trying to obtain basic, quality healthcare services. 

Although trained as a pharmacist, Adeleke’s ambitions transcended the traditional role of dispensing medications. He recognized the critical need to address the underlying systemic issues that impede effective healthcare delivery. This realization prompted him to shift his focus towards business and strategic management, with the goal of influencing the healthcare industry from within. His approach involves building sustainable healthcare brands, launching impactful products, and creating solutions that effectively reach and serve those most in need.

From the inception of his career, Adeleke has been steadfast in his mission to improve patient outcomes and broaden healthcare access, especially in Northern Nigeria, where healthcare disparities are most pronounced. While working  as the Regional Lead managing strategic key accounts spanning across the whole northern states at Swiss Pharma. Nigeria, Adeleke demonstrated his commitment through the design and implementation of a national access and commercialization strategy. 

This initiative was instrumental in providing over 480,000 patients in more than 250 underserved communities with consistent access to life-saving treatments. The impact of this strategy was substantial, leading to a 45% increase in national treatment coverage for the targeted diseases. Beyond this, Adeleke fostered strategic partnerships with influential organizations such as the Red Cross and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. 

These collaborations amplified the reach and effectiveness of healthcare programs, impacting over 1 million Nigerians through coordinated efforts focused on disease education, comprehensive screening programs, and enhanced treatment access.

Adeleke’s innovative mindset is evident in his ability to transform challenges into opportunities through data-driven insights and digital innovation. For example, he introduced mobile-enabled CRM dashboards to streamline and improve engagement with medical representatives, ensuring more efficient communication and service delivery. 

Additionally, he designed an SMS-based medication adherence system to support patients in adhering to their prescribed treatments, thereby improving health outcomes.  Adeleke Damilola Adekola stands as a prime example of an innovative pharmacist who is deeply dedicated to his profession and profoundly committed to the well-being of his community, society, and the nation at large.

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