Since 2017, Yetunde Ayo-Oyalowo, founder of Market Doctors Nigeria, has been at the forefront of making primary healthcare accessible to Nigeria’s informal sector. With over a decade of experience in health insurance and public health, she launched Market Doctors with a vision to deliver healthcare directly to people where they need it most—the markets.
Innovative Healthcare Delivery
Market Doctors brings healthcare to Nigeria’s bustling markets through mobile and static clinics, reducing the time spent traveling to hospitals and waiting for care. By doing so, Yetunde and her team minimize disruption to the economic activities of market traders, ensuring they can access essential health services without sacrificing their livelihoods. Since its inception, Market Doctors has delivered care to over 400,000 people across 20 states in Nigeria.
Strategic Partnerships and Expanding Reach
The success of Market Doctors is fueled by partnerships with state governments, multinational organizations, and international foundations. These collaborations have enabled the organization to expand its reach and impact, bringing much-needed healthcare services to underserved communities across the country.
Pioneering Health Programs
Beyond Market Doctors, Yetunde has pioneered several impactful health programs:
- School Health Clubs: Implemented in over 10 schools, focusing on health education and wellness.
- Doctors Discuss Malaria: A World Malaria Day initiative that has trained over 1,200 doctors over six years on the best practices in malaria diagnosis and treatment.
- Spirit of Excellence Program: A training initiative that has provided more than 200 medical and hospital staff with enhanced skills in healthcare delivery.
Leadership in Healthcare Consulting
In addition to her work with Market Doctors, Yetunde is a Senior Partner at Preventive Health Managers, a health consulting firm that supports employee health and wellness programs for corporate organizations. Her expertise spans health system strengthening, health insurance, and healthcare access, making her a leading voice in improving healthcare delivery for Nigeria’s informal sector.
Awards and Recognitions
Yetunde’s work has earned her widespread recognition for innovation and impact in healthcare, including:
- Most Innovative Business Award by Fidelity Bank SME Connect (2019)
- Most Innovative Business in Healthcare (2020)
- Fellowship at Sub-Saharan Africa Cartier Women’s Initiative (2021)
- Vital Voices UN SDG Award Winner (2022)
- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Goalkeeper (2023)
- United Nations SDG3 Advocate (2024)
A Vision for the Future of Healthcare
With over 20 years of experience in healthcare management, Yetunde continues to shape the future of healthcare delivery in Nigeria and Africa through Market Doctors and Preventive Health Managers. Her work is driving positive change, ensuring that healthcare becomes more accessible and inclusive, especially for informal-sector workers.