Ambrose Ezeh, the National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, emphasized on Wednesday that pharmacists play a crucial role in delivering innovative and patient-focused care.
He refuted the common misconception that pharmacists merely dispense medications, highlighting that they are frontline healthcare workers, educators, researchers, and advocates.
These statements were conveyed by the ACPN National Chairman in an official communication provided exclusively to NAIJATRAFFIC to mark World Pharmacists Day 2024 on September 25. World Pharmacists Day, organized by the International Pharmaceutical Federation, aims to acknowledge the significant contributions of pharmacists in promoting the health of communities.
The theme for this year’s World Pharmacists Day is “Pharmacists: meeting Global Health Needs,” as stated by the World Health Organization, which recognizes pharmacists as the primary source of health advice and essential healthcare services.
Ezeh further called for increased support and empowerment for pharmacists to leverage their expertise, knowledge, and commitment in building healthier and more resilient communities worldwide.
He emphasized, “Today, we celebrate World Pharmacists Day, an occasion that shines a spotlight on the vital roles Pharmacists play in Healthcare. This year’s Theme, “Pharmacists: Meeting Global Health Needs,” could not be more timely and relevant.
“We live in a world where the health challenges we face are ever-growing and ever-changing. From pandemics to chronic diseases, from antibiotic resistance to the need for sustainable healthcare systems, the demands on healthcare have never been greater. At the heart of meeting these global health needs stands the Pharmacist.
“Pharmacists are no longer just the dispensers of medicine; we are Healthcare Providers, Educators, Researchers, and Advocates. We are frontline workers who interact with patients directly, offering care, advice, and, above all, solutions to complex health problems.”
The ACPN National Chairman emphasized that inaccessible life-saving medications pose a significant threat to global health equity.
He stressed that pharmacists play a vital role in ensuring these essential medicines reach remote areas, bridging the gap in healthcare accessibility .
Furthermore, pharmacists are instrumental in promoting safe medication practices through comprehensive reviews and personalized counseling, safeguarding patients’ well-being.
“In a world where polypharmacy—taking multiple medications—has become the norm for many patients, we take on the responsibility of ensuring that patients understand how to use their medicines safely and effectively.
“Whether through medication reviews or patient counselling, Pharmacists are indispensable in preventing medication errors and adverse drug reactions,” he added.
Continuing, the Community Pharmacist noted, “Pharmacists are also champions of public health initiatives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we witnessed the incredible role Pharmacists played in vaccine distribution, education, and combatting misinformation. Beyond the pandemic, pharmacists continue to lead efforts in disease prevention, from administering flu shots to raising awareness about antimicrobial resistance, diabetes, and hypertension.
“Pharmacists are at the cutting edge of Pharmaceutical research and innovation. In the pursuit of new therapies for both existing and emerging diseases, Pharmacists collaborate with Scientists, Doctors, and Engineers to develop breakthrough treatments. Whether it’s precision medicine, personalised therapies, or the development of vaccines, Pharmacists contribute to the ongoing transformation of healthcare.”
He also emphasized that the role of pharmacists in meeting global health needs would continue to expand to due to the “challenges posed by aging populations and chronic diseases and responding to the next global health emergency, pharmacists will remain at the forefront of delivering innovative, patient-centred care.”
Ezeh celebrated the invaluable contributions of pharmacists and hoped for a world where pharmacists were “empowered to do even more, where their skills, knowledge, and dedication help build healthier, more resilient communities across the globe.
“Thank you to all pharmacists who work tirelessly to ensure better health outcomes for all.”
