Global Pandemic Preparedness: An Urgent Call to Action

Emmanuel Adediran, a Nigerian-trained pharmacist who is currently a doctoral researcher at Mercer University’s College of Pharmacy in Atlanta, United States, stands at the forefront of a critical mission: combating infectious diseases through his groundbreaking research. His focus lies in developing nanovaccines and innovative delivery systems, positioning him as a beacon of hope in the battle against global health threats.

According to commentary published by the World Health Organization, “There will be other pandemic and other major health emergencies. No single government or multilateral agency can address this threat alone”. This is an echo of clarion call from the halls of scientific expertise. Emmanuel Adediran, an expert in infectious diseases research who was also one of the recipients of the 2023 Nigerian Association of Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Scientists in the Americas (NAPPSA) Scholarship Award is committed to curtail the menace of infectious diseases through his ongoing research. Emmanuel’s vision extends beyond the laboratory; it encompasses the broader landscape of global health infrastructure. With WHO data revealing alarming rates of vaccine wastage due to logistical hurdles, cold chain, particularly in regions like Africa, he recognizes the urgent need for innovative solutions. Microparticulate-based vaccines offer a promising avenue, potentially eliminating the reliance on cold chain storage—a pivotal factor in pandemic preparedness.

Considering the devastating toll of the Covid-19 pandemic, Emmanuel’s mission gains even greater urgency. He understands that true safety is collective; no one is immune until everyone is protected. Through his relentless pursuit of scientific innovation and unwavering commitment to global health equity, Emmanuel Adediran is not merely shaping the future of medicine but also safeguarding humanity against the threats that loom on the horizon. He is also a member engagement manager of the Pharmaceutical Discovery and Preclinical Development Community arm of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) supporting the mission “to advance the capacity of pharmaceutical scientists to develop products and therapies that improve global health.”