As the global pandemic of COVID-19 dealt a deadly blow on healthcare systems worldwide, it exposed the weakness of Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system with dire shortage of essential medications and protective equipment. Amid this crisis, a visionary pharmacist became a lifeline for millions. Precious Azino Usuemerai, an Abuja-based clinical pharmacist and co-founder of ZeenoHealth Pharmaceuticals, made the distribution of essential COVID-19 medications accessible to patients nationwide with the collaboration of his team members.
Under his innovative leadership, ZeenoHealth emerged as a beacon of hope, providing essential treatments and resources during the global pandemic. Building on his impactful tenure as the State Coordinator for the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria – Young Pharmacists Group (PSN-YPG) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, Usuemerai once again stepped up to the challenge. In an exclusive interview with Ranmilowo Ojalumo, he opened up on his achievements and factors that contributed to it.
“COVID-19 wasn’t just a medical crisis—it was a logistical and humanitarian nightmare,” he affirmed. “Hospitals were overwhelmed, critical medications were inaccessible, and misinformation was rampant. At the time, I was managing CityMart Pharmaceuticals and had just launched a new retail outlet—the largest in Gwagwalada—designed to serve over 900,000 people. Then, COVID-19 struck. I was overseeing a chain of pharmacies, setting up an additional branch, and managing logistics for COVID-related supplies. Realising the urgent need for medical supplies, I decided to shift my focus entirely to addressing this challenge. I couldn’t stand the thought of people losing their loved ones simply because essential medications and supplies weren’t available. ZeenoHealth was born at this crucial period to bridge the gap between patients, healthcare providers, and the resources they needed to fight back.”
ZeenoHealth’s rapid response played a crucial role in mitigating the pandemic’s impact. Usuemerai’s extensive experience as a clinical pharmacist, including his leadership at CityMart Pharmaceuticals, prepared him to adapt and excel under extraordinary circumstances. His transition from launching new facilities to tackling an unprecedented healthcare emergency reaffirmed his dedication and adaptability.
According to Usuemerai, the fight against COVID-19 became deeply personal early on. Having contracted the virus himself, he understood its severity firsthand. “I was one of the first COVID-19 cases I knew. When a close friend fell gravely ill, I delved into researching available therapies. This urgency propelled me to leave CityMart Pharma and commit fully to ZeenoHealth’s mission,” he shared.
He highlighted some of the remarkable milestones ZeenoHealth achieved under his leadership to include: supply of over 20,000 PPE units to tertiary healthcare facilities, reducing infection rates among healthcare workers by 65 percent; distribution of over 10,000 vials of Remdesivir and over 12,000 packs of Ivermectin; contributed to a 70 per cent reduction in COVID-19-related deaths and hospitalisation costs. Delivery of therapies, addressing both prophylaxis and treatment needs for COVID-19 to over 2 million Nigerians.
One notable instance, he shared was the swift delivery of critical supplies to a hospital in Kano within 24 hours, saving the life of a patient on oxygen. “It’s moments like these that remind me why this work matters. It’s not just about statistics—it’s about families, communities, and the hope we were able to restore,” Usuemerai reflected
His leadership in ZeenoHealth wasn’t just about crisis management but also about setting new benchmarks in pharmacy practice. At a time when major distributors were risk-averse due to disrupted supply chains, The entrepreneurial Usuemerai took on the challenge head-on. His ability to navigate these obstacles and deliver life-saving resources showcased his fearless commitment to healthcare excellence.
His continued influence from PSN-YPG reflects the caliber of leaders that the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria cultivates, as Usuemerai’s achievements serve as a testament to the high standards and dedication expected from PSN and PSN-YPG members.
When asked how he did all these, he said collaboration was key to ZeenoHealth’s success. He forged partnerships with leading manufacturers such as Popular and Eskayef, securing distribution rights for life-saving treatments. His strategic coordination with logistics firms ensured that critical supplies reached all 36 states across Nigeria, including remote areas, via land and air networks.
Working closely with infectious disease physicians at national isolation centres, he adapted ZeenoHealth’s strategies to align with evolving treatment protocols. His collaborative approach kept ZeenoHealth at the forefront of COVID-19 care in Nigeria, demonstrating a commitment to innovative and effective solutions.
ZeenoHealth also delivered transformative results under Usuemerai’s remarkable leadership to include reduced healthcare workers infection rates, through large-scale PPE distribution; life-saving therapeutic access, by ensuring the availability of essential drugs like Remdesivir and Ivermectin and broad community reach, through the provision of essential treatment and prevention resources to millions across Nigeria.
Usuemerai’s ability to navigate complex supply chains, secure strategic partnerships, and respond rapidly to the pandemic’s challenges showcased his expertise and dedication. His work at ZeenoHealth has set a new standard for healthcare crisis management in Nigeria.
Looking beyond the pandemic, he revealed that ZeenoHealth aims to address broader healthcare challenges, including chronic diseases, maternal and child health, and infectious diseases like malaria. Investments in supply chain technology will enhance efficiency and transparency. “Our goal is to build a healthcare system that is more resilient, equitable, and patient-centred —not just in Nigeria, but across Africa,” he asserted.
To aspiring healthcare leaders, he offered this advice: “Start where you are, use what you have, and stay grounded in your purpose. Healthcare challenges can feel overwhelming, but small, consistent actions create significant changes. Build strong networks, listen to those you serve, and never stop learning. Most importantly, take bold steps—it’s the only way to drive meaningful change.”
His journey is a powerful testament to what can be achieved when vision, purpose, and action converge. As Nigeria moves beyond the pandemic, ZeenoHealth’s success offers a blueprint for future healthcare innovations. The question remains: who will rise next to tackle the nation’s pressing health challenges?
