Haroun Yusuf is a distinguished Nigerian medical doctor and psychologist with a focus on behavioural and sexual health, born on September 1, 1985.
Haroun, who now is based in the United States, is the visionary founder of the Love for Health Organisation (LHO), a non-governmental organisation dedicated to raising healthcare awareness.
Read also: Nigerians prize health as wearable device sales boom
Early Life and Aspirations:
Haroun Yusuf’s journey began in Lagos State, Nigeria, where he was born into a middle-class family. From a young age, he displayed a fervent curiosity about the human body’s intricacies and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives.
Contrary to the social construct surrounding last borns being complacent, Haroun his days in Lagos nursing his vision and passion for health, not even knowing his big break was coming at the age of 30.
The opportunity come soar came in October 18, 2015 when he traveled to the Kingdom Saudi Arabia. And in January 13 2018, he traveled to USA for postgraduate studies.
Educational Excellence:
Haroun embarked on his academic journey at Gbagada Grammar School, Lagos, earning his Senior Secondary School Leaving Certificate. His passion for healthcare led him to pursue a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) degree at Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM), Ikeja, Lagos, which he completed in 2012.
During his studies, Haroun excelled in both academic and clinical aspects, demonstrating a natural aptitude for the complexities of healthcare.
He won a scholarship in medical school and wrote a letter to the then governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola on the concept of love for health. The letter which won him scholarship was eventually published in the Lagos State scholarship booklet.
Read also: Breaking the stigma: Unveiling the hidden struggles on mental health
When Haroun Yusuf was in school, he was the treasurer of Lagos State University Medical Students Association. His integrity in managing the association’s funds was never questioned.
At this time, he wrote his first article in the university’s journal titled: ‘Love for Health’
He graduated from medical school in November 2011 and was awarded his certificate in February 2012. He immediately offered to volunteer in St. Catherine Medical Centre in Mafoluku, Oshodi.
Haroun volunteered at St. Catherine for a year, before interning at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in Ikeja, Nigeria, in 2012.
Afterwards, he went ahead to fulfill his one-year mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at Bariga Primary Health Centre, Lagos in 2013.
Global Learning and Pursuit of Knowledge:
Driven by a desire to deepen his understanding of medicine and healthcare administration, Haroun, now a medical doctor furthered his education by enrolling in Franklin University, Ohio, United States, to pursue a Master in Business Administration with Healthcare Administration as the major.
This marked a pivotal step in his journey towards becoming a certified medical professional. He expanded his knowledge by enrolling in a Training to Teach in Medicine course from the prestigious Harvard Business School, showcasing his commitment to continuous learning.
A Catalyst for Change:
During his pursuit of an MBBS degree, Haroun authored a groundbreaking journal in 2008, titled “Love for Health Journal (Concept of health, medicine, and treatment in patients).
This journal laid the foundation for the Love for Health Organisation (LHO), which Haroun established in the same year. Collaborating with fellow medical students from Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja, LHO has since expanded worldwide, growing into a team of dedicated health professionals.
Their mission is to provide women with access to quality healthcare while advocating for their rights and improved healthcare services in local communities across the globe.
Love for Health as a foundation has accomplished over 1200 outreaches in Nigeria, including women and children, with beneficiaries across the country like Almighty Rolex Secondary School, Lagos, Nigeria, Unita Hospital and Maternity, Pivic Group of Schools.
Haroun has personally delivered over 500 free consultations and provided cash support to over 400 individuals, both online and offline.
Read also: States fail to raise health spending despite N6.6trn revenue
Career Highlights:
Between 2013 and 2015, Haroun practiced privately at Finnih Medical Centre in GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, before embarking on a journey to Saudi Arabia.
There, he worked as an Amerisource Supervisor for a 3PL Pharmaceutical Logistic Centre, gaining valuable experience in the international healthcare industry.
Evidently, Haroun Yusuf has more to offer the world as there is so much value to offer. His commitment to change, humanity and excellence is one to reckon with. We await even more feats from Haroun Yusuf.
