Follow Us on Google
By Benson Michael
The face of a global pandemic, where healthcare systems worldwide struggled to respond, one individual rose to the challenge with innovation, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to saving lives. Precious Azino, a clinical pharmacist and entrepreneur, co-founded ZeenoHealth Pharmaceuticals to bridge critical gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare system during the COVID-19 crisis. Under his visionary leadership, ZeenoHealth emerged as a beacon of hope, delivering life-saving treatments, personal protective equipment (PPE), and vital resources to communities across the nation.
Armed with over eight years of clinical experience and a deep-seated belief in equitable healthcare, Precious spearheaded efforts that transformed healthcare delivery during one of the most challenging periods in modern history. From distributing over 20,000 PPE units to delivering more than 4,000 vials of Remdesivir, ZeenoHealth’s initiatives saved countless lives and showcased the power of leadership and collaboration in times of crisis.
The Catalyst for Action
When asked what inspired him to establish ZeenoHealth during the pandemic, Precious recalls the urgency of the moment.
“COVID-19 wasn’t just a medical crisis—it was a logistical and humanitarian nightmare. Hospitals were overwhelmed, critical medications were inaccessible, and misinformation was rampant. I couldn’t stand by and watch as the system buckled under the pressure. ZeenoHealth was born out of necessity—to bridge the gap between patients, healthcare providers, and the resources they needed to fight back,” Precious explains.
Drawing on his extensive experience as a clinical pharmacist, including his tenure at CityMart Pharmaceuticals where he led the establishment of a clinical pharmacy in Gwagwalada, Precious transitioned from preparing to launch new facilities to addressing the pandemic’s urgent challenges. This decision exemplifies his ability to adapt and lead under extraordinary circumstances.
A Personal Mission.
The fight against COVID-19 became deeply personal for Precious early on.
“I was one of the first COVID-19 cases I knew,” he shares. After losing his sense of smell and taste and experiencing the vulnerability of the disease firsthand, he became acutely aware of the pandemic’s stakes.
When a close friend fell gravely ill, Precious delved into extensive research on available therapies, from Hydroxychloroquine to Remdesivir. Realizing the urgent need for systemic solutions, he left his role at CityMart in December 2020 to focus entirely on ZeenoHealth. His goal was clear: to ensure that essential COVID-19 treatments and PPE were accessible and affordable for all Nigerians, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
Leveraging Expertise for Impact
Throughout his career, Precious honed a diverse skill set that uniquely positioned him to lead during the pandemic.
At the Nigerian National Assembly Medical Center, he contributed to the development of a medication reference guide used by over 26 doctors, aligning prescriptions with current standards and improving care for hundreds of patients. His experience in standardizing compounding procedures and manufacturing essential medications equipped him with the operational expertise to navigate complex supply chains.
At CityMart Pharmaceuticals, Precious led the setup of multiple community pharmacies, including a $58K facility that served over 900,000 residents. His work not only improved healthcare access but also strengthened community infrastructure by creating jobs and fostering sustainable systems. These roles provided him with a 360-degree understanding of healthcare delivery, encompassing policy, logistics, and community engagement.
“These experiences shaped the way I approached ZeenoHealth’s challenges. Whether it was securing partnerships for Remdesivir or tailoring PPE distribution strategies to specific hospital needs, every lesson I had learned came into play,” he says.
*Scaling Through Strategic* PartnershipsCollaboration was at the heart of ZeenoHealth’s success. Precious forged partnerships with manufacturers like Popular and Eskayef, securing third-party distribution rights for life-saving treatments. His coordination with logistics firms ensured that critical supplies reached 10 states across Nigeria, including remote areas, through a combination of land and air networks.
He also worked closely with infectious disease physicians at isolation centers, adapting ZeenoHealth’s strategies to align with evolving treatment protocols. This collaborative approach ensured that ZeenoHealth remained at the forefront of COVID-19 care in Nigeria.
Transformative Results
Under Precious’s leadership, ZeenoHealth achieved remarkable outcomes:
Distributed over 20,000 PPE units to tertiary healthcare facilities, reducing infection rates among healthcare workers by 65% and cutting treatment costs by 40%.Delivered more than 4,000 vials of Remdesivir and over 12,000 packs of Ivermectin, contributing to a 70% reduction in COVID-19-related deaths and hospitalization costs.Provided therapies to more than 2 million Nigerians, addressing both prophylaxis and treatment needs for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
One unforgettable moment was when ZeenoHealth delivered 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,” Precious reflects.
Lessons Learned and the Future of ZeenoHealth
The pandemic underscored three key lessons for Precious:
Collaboration is Essential:
Partnerships with manufacturers, logistics providers, and healthcare workers were pivotal to ZeenoHealth’s impact.Adaptability is Key: The constantly evolving crisis demanded flexibility and quick decision-making.Purpose Drives Resilience: A clear mission to save lives kept the team motivated during even the most challenging times.Looking ahead, ZeenoHealth is expanding its mission to address broader healthcare challenges, including chronic diseases, maternal and child health, and infectious diseases like malaria. Investments in supply chain technology will further enhance efficiency and transparency.
“Our goal is to build a healthcare system that is more resilient, equitable, and patient-centered—not just in Nigeria, but across Africa,” Precious asserts.
Inspiring the Next Generation
To those aspiring to make an impact in healthcare, Precious offers 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 can create significant change. Build strong networks, listen to the people you serve, and never stop learning. Most importantly, take bold steps—it’s the only way to drive meaningful change.
“ZeenoHealth’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and compassion. Under Precious Azino’s extraordinary leadership, it stands as a testament to what can be achieved when purpose meets action. The pandemic revealed the fragility of life, but it also showcased the strength of the human spirit—a strength Precious embodies through his unwavering commitment to building a better, more equitable future for all.
