Abdulhafeez Ayodele, a pharmacist and vaccine supply chain expert, shares insights into his journey and current role as a National Immunisation Supply Chain Consultant with UNICEF in this interview with Segun Adebayo.
As a pharmacist and vaccine supply chain expert, can you start by telling us a bit about your current role and your journey in this field?
I currently serve as a National Immunisation Supply Chain Consultant with UNICEF, where I support the Nigerian Government and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency under the Ministry of Health. My journey began with a pharmacy degree from Obafemi Awolowo University, leading me to roles across the public, private, and international development sectors, focusing on public and global health protection and vaccine supply chain management.
Your work has been pivotal, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Could you share how you’ve made a positive impact, particularly in vaccine distribution and management?
My role involved ensuring the efficient stock management and equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines across Nigeria. By providing technical assistance to the National Logistics Working Group and facilitating capacity building among state officers for effective vaccine handling, we’ve been able to significantly contribute to the national immunisation effort against COVID-19.
It’s impressive how you’ve managed to navigate through the complexities of vaccine supply chains. What would you consider your most significant achievement in this area?
One of the key achievements has been the coordination and implementation of national immunisation campaigns and operational deployment activities for COVID-19 vaccination. Working with cross-functional teams, we’ve managed to ensure that vaccines are not only available but are also distributed efficiently and equitably, reaching those in need across various regions.
Looking forward, what are your aspirations in your field? How do you envision your future impact on public health and supply chain management?
I aspire to become an effective leader known for building, inspiring, and managing large, diverse teams to make a resilient impact in complex organisations. My goal is to champion strategy development and the deployment of innovative applications for health product logistics and supply chains, enhancing efficiency and equity in vaccine distribution globally.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, how do you believe society can ‘build back better’? And what role do you see yourself playing in this recovery process?
Building back better starts with ensuring everyone is protected through vaccination, enabling economic recovery and societal repair. I am actively involved in ensuring safe and effective vaccines reach all individuals, which is crucial for Nigeria’s goal to vaccinate 70% of its population. My work in coordinating vaccine deployment, managing stock, and building systems for vaccine accountability is part of the broader effort to strengthen health systems, ensuring we’re better prepared for future challenges.
Your dedication to public health and vaccine equity is truly inspiring.
I believe that together, with continued collaboration and innovation, we can overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic and emerge stronger as a global community.
and then