With over two decades of medical practice, healthcare advocacy, and entrepreneurship, Dr Chijioke Mbelu has emerged as one of Nigeria’s leading voices in healthcare innovation and transformation. He is the publisher of AfriHealth Magazine, CEO of AfriHealth Expo Nigeria Ltd, founder of AfriHealth Development Foundation International, and managing director of Newyou Hospital, and has reportedly dedicated his career to creating platforms that connect healthcare professionals, investors, policymakers, innovators, and businesses. In this exclusive interview with LYDIA ENYIDIYA EKE, he spoke on healthcare entrepreneurship, the success of AfriHealth Expo 2026, and his vision for the future of healthcare in Nigeria and Africa. Excerpts:
Doctor, you are widely known as a physician and healthcare advocate. How would you describe your journey so far?
My journey has been one of service, innovation, and impact. As a medical doctor, my primary responsibility has always been caring for patients. However, over the years, I realised that solving healthcare challenges requires more than treating diseases. We need stronger systems, strategic partnerships, innovation, and investments. That realisation pushed me into healthcare entrepreneurship, healthcare promotion, and stakeholder engagement. For over twenty years, I have worked to create platforms that bring people together to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes in Nigeria.