By Rita Okoye
As the global community continues to address disparities in healthcare access, Dr. Bolusefe Olatunji-Banire has emerged as a key figure in advancing health equity in underserved regions.
With over a decade of experience in clinical practice and public health, she has championed health infrastructure-strengthening initiatives in low—and middle-income countries.
Currently, a fellow with Johns Hopkins University’s Global Alliance for Perioperative Professionals (JHU-GAPP), Dr. Olatunji-Banire, leads projects to optimize surgical care and health system resilience. Her dedication to addressing catastrophic healthcare expenditures and improving surgical priorities is evident in her groundbreaking research and publications. She recently coauthored a manuscript, “Out of Pocket Costs and Catastrophic Healthcare Expenditure for Families of Children Requiring Surgery in Sub-Saharan Africa”. This was a multicentered multinational study involving six countries. This study confirmed catastrophic healthcare costs of up to 40% for families of children in sub-Saharan Africa who have undergone surgery. It also highlights the need for more comprehensive health insurance coverage.
Her work inspires innovation and global collaboration, and she has been recognized with prestigious awards, including a presidential scholarship and the UCSF Global Health Equity Fellowship.
Dr. Olatunji-Banire’s journey to this impactful role began with her medical training at the University of Ibadan, where she earned her MD in 2013. Her career was marked by a deep commitment to community health, as she spearheaded medical outreaches during her internship at the National Hospital, Abuja, and later during her national service at the Nigerian Naval Hospital in Calabar.
Reflecting on these experiences, she shares, “Those early years shaped my understanding of the profound need for equitable healthcare access. I saw firsthand how a lack of resources could lead to preventable suffering.”
As a surgeon and public health advocate, she combines her clinical expertise with public health policy to address gaps in healthcare systems. During Nigeria’s 2014 Ebola Emergency Preparedness Program, she represented Cross River State at the national level, training communities on hygienic practices to prevent the virus’s spread. “Healthcare is not just about treating diseases but about preventing them through education and infrastructure,” she emphasizes.
Her commitment to prevention and education extended beyond the Ebola crisis. During her national service, she taught hygiene practices to secondary school students and led a team to provide free medical services to over a thousand individuals at the Obubra orientation camp in Cross River State. She also advocated for free medical consultations for displaced persons in Kuchigoro, Abuja. “Advocacy is a crucial part of public health,” she says. “It ensures that vulnerable populations are not forgotten.”
Armed with a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Global Health Policy from George Washington University, Dr. Olatunji-Banire is focused on understanding and addressing the systemic barriers that contribute to healthcare inequities. Her research examines catastrophic healthcare expenditures among families in low-income countries, an issue she describes as “a silent crisis pushing millions into poverty every year.” Through her work, she aims to influence policies that ensure healthcare is both accessible and affordable.
As a JHU-GAPP fellow, Dr. Olatunji-Banire is currently leading projects aimed at strengthening health infrastructure and improving surgical care delivery. These initiatives involve developing research protocols, liaising with diverse stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with global health standards. “Effective healthcare systems require collaboration,” she notes. “Whether it’s surgeons, policymakers, or community leaders, every voice matters in creating sustainable solutions.”
Her clinical expertise, particularly in pediatric surgery, complements her public health advocacy. During her five years of surgical training at the National Hospital, Abuja, she gained proficiency in performing complex procedures while maintaining a focus on underserved populations. “Surgery is more than just a skill; it’s a responsibility,” she reflects. “Every patient I treat reminds me of the importance of accessible surgical care.”
Dr. Olatunji-Banire’s dual focus on surgery and public health is exemplified by her leadership in medical outreach programs. From organizing free consultations in remote areas to securing medication donations for disadvantaged communities, she has consistently worked to bridge the gap between need and access. “Outreaches are not just about providing immediate care—they’re about building trust and showing people that their health matters,” she explains.
Amid a growing focus on global health equity and surgical care gaps, Dr. Olatunji-Banire’s impact resonates across continents. Her contributions to the field have been recognized through numerous fellowships and grants, including a scholarship from the Milken School of Public Health and a Global Health Equity Fellowship from UCSF. These opportunities, she says, “have allowed me to amplify my voice and advocate for change on a larger scale.”
Her advocacy is further reflected in her role as a journal reviewer for leading publications such as the American Journal of Surgery and the Journal of Public Health in Africa. Through this work, she ensures that critical research addressing healthcare disparities is disseminated and accessible to policymakers and practitioners worldwide. “Research is the foundation of progress,” she asserts. “It provides the evidence needed to drive meaningful change.”
Despite her extensive achievements, Dr. Olatunji-Banire remains deeply connected to her roots. As a volunteer for various organizations, including the Christian Medical and Dental Association and Awesome Treasures Foundation, she continues to dedicate her time to community service. “No matter how far I go, I’ll always be committed to giving back,” she says. “It’s my way of honoring the communities that shaped me.”
Her work has also inspired the next generation of healthcare professionals. Through mentorship and training, she has empowered young medical practitioners to pursue careers in public health and surgery. “Mentorship is about creating a ripple effect,” she explains. “When you invest in others, the impact multiplies.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Olatunji-Banire envisions a world where healthcare systems are resilient, inclusive, and equitable. “My dream is to see a global healthcare landscape where no one is left behind,” she shares. “Whether it’s a child in a remote village or an urban slum, everyone deserves access to quality care.”
With her unwavering dedication, innovative approach, and global perspective, Dr. Bolusefe Olatunji-Banire is undoubtedly a leader in the fight for health equity. As she continues to bridge the gap between surgery and public health, her vision and passion offer hope for a more inclusive and compassionate world. “Healthcare is a human right,” she concludes. “And I’ll keep working until that right is a reality for all.”