About Us | AfroHealth Inc.

Our Story

AfroHealth Inc. was founded to solve a paradox we could no longer ignore: while millions of dollars’ worth of viable medicines are destroyed every year, many patients still struggle to access essential treatment.

We believed this gap could be responsibly bridged through a compliant, pharmacist-led system built on safety, accountability, and partnership.

Our mission begins in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, where we are building a sustainable model for medication access through trusted healthcare partners. By strengthening health equity locally first, we aim to create a foundation that can responsibly expand to underserved communities in globally.

As a Washington, D.C.–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit and licensed pharmaceutical distributor, AfroHealth Inc. works with healthcare providers, manufacturers, and community partners to help redirect eligible surplus medicines through secure and compliant distribution pathways.

Our goal is simple but powerful: transform surplus into access, reduce unnecessary pharmaceutical waste, and help more patients receive the medications they need.

Our Mission

AfroHealth Inc. exists to expand health equity by developing compliant medication redistribution pathways for underserved communities.

As a Washington, D.C.–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit and licensed pharmaceutical distributor, we work with healthcare providers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and community partners to responsibly redirect eligible surplus medicines through secure and professionally managed distribution systems.

We are committed to regulatory compliance, pharmacist-led oversight, supply chain integrity, and transparent operational practices that protect patient safety while reducing unnecessary pharmaceutical waste.

What Makes AfroHealth Different

AfroHealth Inc. is not simply a charity asking for medicine. We are a licensed pharmaceutical distributor with pharmacist leadership, regulatory oversight, documented procedures, and a mission to protect patient safety while expanding access.

Current Status

AfroHealth Inc. is a Washington, D.C.–based 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit and is licensed by the D.C. Board of Pharmacy as a pharmaceutical distributor.

We are currently building a safe, compliant medication access model in the Washington, D.C. region by developing partnerships with pharmaceutical manufacturers, healthcare facilities, safety-net clinics, and community organizations.

AfroHealth Inc. does not operate as a hospital, clinic, medical practice, or direct patient-care provider. We do not diagnose, treat, prescribe, or dispense medications directly to individuals. Our role is to support medication access through compliant partnerships with licensed healthcare and community partners.

Our current focus is to build a strong D.C. foundation first — with proper licensing, policies, partner screening, medication handling procedures, and accountability systems — before expanding responsibly to underserved communities globally.

Our Vision

A world where no lifesaving medicine is wasted while people suffer from a lack of access.

We believe this future is achievable. That's why we are creating a blueprint for change, starting in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. By building a sustainable and scalable pharmaceutical redistribution model here at home, we are preparing to expand our impact to underserved communities globally.

Our Leadership

AfroHealth Inc. is led by a team of clinical experts and community advocates dedicated to building a more equitable healthcare system.

Wasihun Nicodimos, PharmD, BCPS

Founder & Project Director

Dr. Nicodimos is a clinical pharmacist with extensive experience in highly regulated environments, including investigational drug research at the NIH and oncology care. Recognizing the systemic failure that leads to immense pharmaceutical waste alongside severe medication access barriers, he founded AfroHealth Inc. His unique blend of clinical expertise and commitment to health equity drives the organization's mission to build a sustainable, compliant surplus distribution system.

Hiwot Mekuria

Board of Directors / Strategic Advisor

A strong and sustainable nonprofit requires more than just clinical expertise; it demands rigorous administrative oversight and unwavering ethical standards. Hiwot brings this vital perspective to the AfroHealth Inc. leadership team. With a strong background in administration and organizational ethics, she provides critical guidance on our internal operations, governance, and strategic planning. As an advisor and board member, Hiwot ensures that AfroHealth Inc operates with the highest level of integrity, efficiency, and transparency as we work to fulfill our mission.

Gadeon Tadele, RPH

Board of Directors/ Global Health Advisor

Gadeon brings over 15 years of rigorous clinical pharmacy and medication management experience from his tenure at a major tertiary care hospital in Ethiopia. His deep, firsthand expertise in navigating complex pharmaceutical supply chains and ensuring medication safety within resource-constrained environments is invaluable to AfroHealth Inc. As a key member of our Board of Directors, Gadeon provides critical oversight and strategic guidance, helping to translate proven principles of global health resilience and resourcefulness into our U.S.-based model for equitable medication access.

Governance & Accountability

As a licensed Pharmaceutical Distributor and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, AfroHealth Inc. holds itself to the highest standards of clinical safety, legal compliance, and organizational transparency.

Nonprofit Governance

AfroHealth Inc. is governed by an independent Board of Directors that provides critical oversight, strategic direction, and evaluation of the organization’s executive leadership. Our board operates under a strict Conflict of Interest Policy to ensure that all decisions are made solely in the best interest of the communities we serve and the integrity of our mission. Board members and key advisors are required to disclose any potential conflicts annually and recuse themselves from related votes.

Regulatory Compliance & Clinical Oversight

Because patient safety is our highest priority, AfroHealth Inc. maintains rigorous pharmaceutical compliance protocols. Our operations are directly overseen by our Founder and Project Director, a licensed Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), supported by an advisory team of clinical and global health pharmacists. This ensures that our supply chain, inventory management, and distribution practices strictly adhere to the guidelines set by the District of Columbia Board of Pharmacy, the FDA, and the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA).

Fiscal Responsibility

We view every donation and grant as a vital investment in community health. AfroHealth Inc. is committed to uncompromising fiscal responsibility. Our Board of Directors oversees a robust set of internal financial controls, including dual-approval expenditure policies, regular budget-to-actual reviews, and a commitment to independent financial reporting. We ensure that all philanthropic and corporate contributions are maximized for programmatic impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about AfroHealth Inc.

What is AfroHealth Inc.?

AfroHealth Inc. is a Washington, D.C.–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit and licensed pharmaceutical distributor regulated by the D.C. Board of Pharmacy. We are building a compliant medication access model that helps connect eligible surplus medicines with underserved communities through trusted healthcare partners.

Our work begins in the Washington, D.C. region, with a long-term vision of responsibly expanding to underserved communities globally

What does it mean that AfroHealth Inc. is licensed by the D.C. Board of Pharmacy?

AfroHealth Inc. is licensed by the D.C. Board of Pharmacy as a pharmaceutical distributor. This means we operate under regulatory oversight and are required to maintain standards related to medication handling, documentation, storage, compliance, and operational accountability.

This licensure reflects our commitment to safety, transparency, supply chain integrity, and professional oversight.

Where does AfroHealth Inc. currently operate?

AfroHealth Inc. is currently focused on building its operational foundation within the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region.

Our priority is to establish a strong, compliant, and sustainable local framework — including partnerships, operational systems, and accountability processes — before responsibly expanding to underserved communities globally.

Does AfroHealth Inc. provide direct patient care?

No. AfroHealth Inc. does not operate as a hospital, clinic, medical practice, or pharmacy for individual patients. We do not diagnose, prescribe, or dispense medications directly to individuals.

We support medication access through compliant partnerships with licensed healthcare and community organizations.

How do pharmaceutical donations work, and what types of medications do you accept?

Organizations interested in donating eligible surplus medicines may contact AfroHealth Inc. to discuss available inventory. Products are reviewed for safety, compliance, documentation, storage integrity, and operational suitability before acceptance through approved distribution channels.

Important Donation Policies

AfroHealth Inc. only considers medications that are:

✓ Unexpired
✓ Sealed and untampered
✓ Properly stored
✓ Sourced from licensed manufacturers, healthcare facilities, pharmacies, or authorized entities

For safety and regulatory reasons, we do not accept:

✕ Medications from individual patients
✕ Controlled substances
✕ Expired or short-dated products
✕ Opened, used, or tampered medications

What is a “sustainable medication access model”?

A sustainable medication access model is a professionally managed system designed to expand access to eligible medicines while maintaining high standards for safety, compliance, accountability, and operational integrity.

This includes:

✓ Regulatory compliance
✓ Licensed pharmaceutical oversight
✓ Secure storage and handling practices
✓ Transparent governance
✓ Responsible healthcare partnerships

What types of organizations can partner with AfroHealth Inc.?

We seek partnerships with pharmaceutical manufacturers, healthcare systems, safety-net clinics, charitable healthcare organizations, and community partners that share our commitment to expanding responsible medication access.

Who does AfroHealth Inc. serve locally?

AfroHealth Inc. is focused on supporting underserved communities within the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region through partnerships with healthcare and community organizations serving patients facing medication access barriers.

Additional program partnerships and operational initiatives will be announced as they are finalized.

How does AfroHealth Inc. ensure medication safety?

As a licensed pharmaceutical distributor regulated by the D.C. Board of Pharmacy, AfroHealth Inc. follows established standards related to medication sourcing, documentation, storage, handling, and distribution practices.

Safety, accountability, and compliance are central to every stage of our operations.

Does AfroHealth Inc. dispense medications directly to patients?

No. AfroHealth Inc. does not operate as a retail pharmacy or direct patient-care provider. We do not prescribe or dispense medications directly to individuals.

Instead, we support medication access through compliant partnerships with licensed healthcare and community organizations.

Is AfroHealth Inc. compliant with federal and local regulations?

Yes. AfroHealth Inc. operates under applicable nonprofit and pharmaceutical distribution regulations, including oversight by the D.C. Board of Pharmacy.

Compliance, documentation, and operational accountability are foundational to our organization.

How are donations used?

Donations support the development and maintenance of AfroHealth Inc.’s medication access infrastructure, including:

✓ Regulatory compliance systems
✓ Secure storage and handling capabilities
✓ Operational and distribution readiness
✓ Partnership development
✓ Technology and accountability systems
✓ Long-term organizational sustainability

Are donations tax-deductible?

Yes. AfroHealth Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by U.S. law. Appropriate donation documentation is provided to donors.

How does AfroHealth Inc. ensure transparency?

AfroHealth Inc. is committed to responsible stewardship, regulatory compliance, and accountable governance practices.

As both a nonprofit organization and licensed pharmaceutical distributor, we prioritize operational transparency, professional oversight, and ethical handling of donated resources.

What are AfroHealth Inc.’s long-term goals?

AfroHealth Inc.’s long-term goal is to build a scalable, compliant, and sustainable medication access framework that helps reduce pharmaceutical waste while expanding responsible access to essential medicines.

Our strategy is to establish a strong foundation in Washington, D.C. first and then responsibly expand the model to underserved communities globally.