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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.

In the heart of New York City, amidst the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, the incredible journey of the Lawrence siblings is a testament to resilience, determination, and unwavering faith. Six sisters, once homeless, are now on a remarkable journey to fulfill their dreams of becoming nurses, and their story is nothing short of inspiring.

The Lawrence Siblings’ Journey: Overcoming Homelessness and Hardship

Back in 2013, the Lawrence family faced a devastating turn of events when they lost their home in Queens, New York City. David and Yonette Lawrence, the parents of the six sisters, found themselves confronted with the harsh reality of homelessness. Their family’s life took a dramatic turn as they moved from one relative or friend’s house to another, seeking shelter and stability, as they later shared with People magazine.

“It was challenging,” recalls 24-year-old Lauren. “There were a lot of very bumpy, depressing times.” The struggle to find a place to call home was a constant battle, and it took a toll on the family.

Educational Pursuit : From GEDs to Bachelor’s Degrees

Two years into this gruelling ordeal, their father, David, made a courageous decision. He refused to let their circumstances hinder the education and dreams of his daughters. The Lawrence sisters, who had been grappling with disrupted schooling due to their ever-changing living situation, enrolled in a homeschool program. Their goal? To earn their GEDs and ensure their education remained on track.

“He didn’t want what we were going through to hold us back,” explained 25-year-old Dominique. This decision marked a turning point in their lives, as they embarked on a path filled with challenges but brimming with determination and hope.

Unyielding Faith : The Driving Force Behind Their Success

The Lawrence sisters defied the odds and shattered the barriers in their way. In 2019, all six of them successfully earned their GEDs. Their journey continued as they enrolled in Nassau Community College and, later, proudly graduated from SUNY Old Westbury with bachelor’s degrees in public health in May.

“It’s been quite an adventure,” shared 22-year-old Danielle. “But what really pulled us through is our faith in God and in each other.” Their unwavering support for one another, coupled with their unshakable faith, carried them through even the darkest of times.

Future Prospects: Master’s Program in Public Health and Beyond

Today, these extraordinary siblings, aged 19 to 25, declare that this is just the beginning of their remarkable journey. In August, they embarked on a master’s program in public health at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. Their eyes are set on the future, as they plan to attend nursing school to further their education and expertise.

Father’s Pride : A Proud Parent’s Perspective

Their father, David Lawrence, couldn’t be prouder of his daughters, who have defied adversity to chase their dreams and emerge stronger than ever. “I’m so happy that they’ve done this together,” he said, beaming with pride. “I always tell them, ‘Life’s not fair. And when it throws you a curveball, you’ve got to adjust to it and keep going.'”

An Inspiring Story of Triumph

The Lawrence sisters’ journey is a powerful reminder that with determination, a strong support system, and unwavering faith, one can overcome even the most challenging circumstances. As they continue to pursue their dreams in the field of healthcare, their story serves as an inspiration to us all, demonstrating that resilience can lead to incredible achievements.