Health
DR Mohammed Ladan, a pharmacist and nuclear pharmacy specialist, has called for greater investment in public health education, local research and healthcare infrastructure to improve health outcomes in Africa.
Ladan, a U.S.-based pharmacist, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Suleja, Niger, that preventive healthcare and public awareness remain critical to tackling diseases
He said misconceptions about common illnesses continued to undermine healthcare delivery, particularly hypertension, which many people wrongly believed disappeared completely after treatment and medication had commenced.
According to him, hypertension is a lifelong condition requiring continuous management, monitoring and healthy lifestyle choices to prevent complications that often resulted in avoidable deaths and disabilities.
Ladan also expressed concern over beliefs linking illnesses to spiritual causes, noting that many infections were scientifically proven to result from bacteria, viruses and other pathogens.
The pharmacist urged governments and stakeholders to intensify health education campaigns to promote disease prevention, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment-seeking behaviour among citizens nationwide.
On healthcare development, Ladan advocated the establishment of more modern healthcare centres equipped with contemporary facilities to reduce dependence on poorly equipped hospitals and clinics.
He also emphasised the need to prioritise healthcare services for children and pregnant women, describing them as vulnerable groups requiring sustained government attention and support.
According to him, African countries must invest in strengthening their healthcare systems rather than relying predominantly on foreign interventions to address local health challenges.
Ladan further called for increased government support for research aimed at improving traditional foods, medicines and locally driven healthcare solutions across the continent.
He encouraged Nigerians to consume more indigenous foods, including maize, local rice and millet, citing their nutritional and health benefits.
Commenting on pharmaceutical regulation, Ladan commended the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for safeguarding public health through regulatory oversight.
He, however, called for stronger inspection mechanisms and additional laboratories to improve drug quality assurance and strengthen public confidence in pharmaceutical products nationwide.
Ladan also advocated integrating traditional medicine with modern healthcare practices, noting that such approaches had contributed positively to healthcare delivery in some countries.
He urged regulators to ensure that pharmaceutical manufacturers complied with approved standards while also working towards reducing the cost of medicines for citizens.
Reflecting on his professional journey, Ladan attributed his success to encouragement from the late Dalatun Zazzau of Suleja, who inspired him to study chemistry.
He said his passion for science began at an early age and eventually led him to specialise in nuclear pharmacy in the United States.
According to him, nuclear pharmacy enables healthcare professionals to better understand body functions and disease processes through advanced scientific applications and observation techniques.
Ladan recalled facing racial discrimination while studying and working in the United States during the late 1970s and early 1980s, but remained focused on his goals.
He said some organisations rejected him during internship placements because of his skin colour, adding that determination helped him overcome those challenges successfully.
According to him, obstacles may delay progress, but professionalism, resilience and adherence to lawful conduct often enable individuals to achieve long-term success.
Ladan highlighted his 25-year career with CVS, where he conducted research on hypertension medications and held leadership responsibilities across several departments.
He said he also supported minority students, particularly Black and Asian students, helping many secured professional licences, established businesses and built successful careers.
Speaking on his humanitarian activities, Ladan said individuals blessed with resources and opportunities had a responsibility to support less privileged members of society.
He said he had participated in initiatives promoting Nigerian culture abroad, educating children on drug abuse and mentoring young people lacking parental guidance.
According to him, the greatest reward from humanitarian service is witnessing beneficiaries succeed and later return to share stories of their achievements and progress.
“When you see these children flourish and come back to speak with you, it is rewarding. We help and leave the rest to Allah,” he said.
Ladan also spoke on his involvement in the Voice of America Hausa health programme, Lafiya Uwar Jiki, describing it as a contribution to public health education.
He explained that he accepted the role after learning the programme required support following the departure of its previous presenter and limited funding for replacement.
According to him, the programme offered an opportunity to give back to society, particularly because public funds supported much of his educational development.
Ladan said he remained committed to supporting healthcare facilities in Suleja through donations of malaria and hypertension medications whenever resources permited.
He added that in spite of challenges encountered in previous efforts to expand healthcare support, he remained determined to contribute towards improving healthcare delivery in Suleja.
(NAN)
W.U
June 8, 2026.
Tags: Mohammed Ladan National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control