The National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Pharm. Ezeh Ambrose Igwekamma MAW, has called on governments and organizations worldwide to empower pharmacists to take on more responsibilities in building resilient healthcare systems.
Igwekamma made the call while highlighting the crucial role pharmacists play in meeting global health needs at an event commemorating World Pharmacists Day in Lagos.
According to him, the role of pharmacists will continue to expand, particularly in addressing the challenges posed by aging populations, chronic diseases, and future global health crises.
He therefore urged governments and organizations worldwide to empower pharmacists to take on greater responsibilities in building resilient healthcare systems.
Underscoring the role of pharmacists in public health, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, Igwekamma said: “We witnessed the incredible role pharmacists played in vaccine distribution, education, and combatting misinformation."
"The theme of World Pharmacists Day, 'Pharmacists: Meeting Global Health Needs,' reflects the growing responsibilities pharmacists shoulder in the face of escalating healthcare challenges worldwide."
“Pharmacists are no longer just dispensers of medicine; we are healthcare providers, educators, researchers, and advocates,” said Igwekamma.
He noted that the profession has evolved far beyond the traditional role of dispensing medication, with pharmacists now serving as frontline healthcare workers, providing care and advice, and developing solutions to complex health issues.
"One of the pivotal roles pharmacists play is ensuring access to medications, particularly in underserved areas. Pharmacists are crucial in ensuring that medicines reach even the most remote areas, in managing cold-chain supply for vaccines, and innovating ways to distribute essential drugs in low-resource settings."
He commended pharmacists for continuing to lead efforts in disease prevention through vaccination and awareness campaigns targeting issues such as antimicrobial resistance, diabetes, and hypertension.
Igwekamma pointed out that pharmacists are the “guardians of safe medication practices,” responsible for medication management in an age where polypharmacy is common. He stressed the importance of medication reviews and patient counseling in preventing errors and adverse drug reactions.
He also highlighted the role pharmacists play in research and innovation, working with scientists, doctors, and engineers to develop new therapies for emerging diseases. “Pharmacists contribute to the ongoing transformation of healthcare, whether it’s precision medicine, personalized therapies, or vaccine development,” Igwekamma noted.
“As we look to the future, the role of pharmacists in meeting global health needs will only continue to expand. Together, we are meeting global health needs, one patient at a time.”
Expressing gratitude to Community pharmacists in Nigeria and pharmacists around the world for their tireless efforts in ensuring better health outcomes, Igwekamma urged everyone to recognize the invaluable contributions of pharmacists in creating healthier communities.