GlobalHealthJobs was born out of a simple but powerful idea: that connecting healthcare workers with opportunities could help solve one of the greatest challenges of our time, the shortage and unequal distribution of health professionals across the world.
Since 2015, the platform has grown into a trusted space for clinicians, ministries, NGOs, and agencies to meet urgent needs and strengthen long-term workforce capacity. From supporting emergency responses to enabling sustainable health systems, GlobalHealthJobs has been part of critical moments in global health.
But behind the milestones lies a story of collaboration between a visionary healthcare leader and two teenage developers who helped translate an idea into reality.
From Idea to Impact
The idea for GlobalHealthJobs came from Ade Adeyemi, MPharm MBA FRSPH MBE, a healthcare professional and policy leader who has worked at the highest levels of politics, the NHS, and international institutions. Ade’s recognition in the Queen’s 2020 Birthday Honours List for services to national and international healthcare reflects his lifelong commitment to strengthening health systems.
In 2015, Ade shared his vision for a platform that could connect health workers globally. Though not a technologist, he entrusted the concept to Oluwatoba Abraham and Abdulmateen Ajidagba, who were still teenagers at the time. Within weeks, they surprised him with a working platform.
“I mentioned the idea almost in passing, and before long, Mateen and Oluwatoba came back with something tangible,” recalls Ade Adeyemi, Managing Director of GlobalHealthJobs. “That drive and creativity, especially at such a young age — set the foundation for what GlobalHealthJobs became.”
What began as a conversation soon transformed into a live service. Ade steered the mission and partnerships; Oluwatoba and Mateen built and maintained the platform. This collaboration, forged in youthful energy and professional determination, set the stage for what GlobalHealthJobs would become.
Roles and Contributions
- Ade Adeyemi – Managing Director
Provided the strategic leadership, partnerships, and vision that anchored the platform in the realities of healthcare systems. As Managing Director, Ade ensured GlobalHealthJobs was trusted by ministries, agencies, and global organisations, guiding it from concept into a mission-driven initiative. - Oluwatoba Abraham – Founding Developer (Infrastructure & Maintenance)
Focused on infrastructure, hosting, and system stability. “I took responsibility for making sure the site could handle growth as more partners and organisations came on board,” says Oluwatoba. “Even then, I knew stability was as important as innovation.” - Abdulmateen Ajidagba – Founding Developer (Design & Platform Experience)
Handled the design, user flow, and functionality, ensuring GlobalHealthJobs was intuitive and reliable for healthcare professionals worldwide. “My focus was on experience,” says Abdulmateen. “I wanted to make sure the technology supported the mission, not stood in the way of it.”
Together, Mateen and Oluwatoba continued to contribute actively to the development and maintenance of the platform through 2021, ensuring its continued reliability and growth.
Impact Highlights (2015–Till date)
- Activation of a roster of 5,500 clinicians during the Sudan floods.
- Coordination of diaspora medics in the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake.
- Piloting maternal health programmes in Sierra Leone, helping reduce facility-based mortality.
- Partnerships with Africa CDC, PAHO, Gates Foundation, and national ministries of health.
GlobalHealthJobs has demonstrated what can happen when healthcare expertise meets youthful innovation. The journey of Ade, Oluwatoba, and Mateen is a reminder that solving global challenges requires vision, collaboration, and the courage to act on ideas.
As the platform continues to grow, its story from 2015 will remain a testament to the power of young talent, bold leadership, and the belief that connecting people can save lives.
