By Folasade Akpan
The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has called for the full integration of community pharmacists into grassroots healthcare and rural development initiatives to improve healthcare access and health outcomes nationwide.
The ACPN National Chairman, Mr Ezeh Igwekamma, made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by Mr Chidi Dozie, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee.
The statement announced the association’s 45th Annual International Scientific Conference, tagged “Unity 2026” and themed, “From Local Pharmacy Practice to Global Impact: Managing Complex Political Systems.”
The conference is scheduled to hold in Abuja from July 27 to Aug. 1 and is expected to attract community pharmacists, policymakers and healthcare stakeholders from within and outside Nigeria.
Igwekamma said pharmacists had assumed increasingly important responsibilities in healthcare delivery over the past decade and should be recognised as indispensable partners in strengthening Nigeria’s health system.
“Our expectation for Unity 2026 goes beyond professional discussions.
“We aim to develop a practical roadmap that will strengthen community pharmacy practice and position pharmacists as key contributors to healthcare policy and national development,” he said.
He said the association would use the conference to advance advocacy for the formal recognition of community pharmacies as Primary Health Centres due to their accessibility and frontline presence.
According to him, ACPN is implementing the Community Pharmacists Assessment and Career Progression Institute, a framework endorsed by the International Pharmaceutical Federation for professional development.
The chairman said preparations had been concluded to receive local and international delegates for what is expected to be one of Africa’s largest gatherings of community pharmacists.
“The participation of senior government officials reflects increasing recognition of community pharmacists as indispensable stakeholders in Nigeria’s healthcare architecture,” he said.
Igwekamma said the conference would provide an opportunity to translate professional recommendations into actionable policies capable of improving healthcare access and strengthening national health security.
He added that participants would explore ways to optimise pharmaceutical supply chains, improve operational efficiency, manage risks and strengthen institutional frameworks for sustainable healthcare delivery.
The statement said the conference would commence on July 27 with a health insurance awareness walk themed, “Health Insurance for All: Leaving No One Behind.”
It said the Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority, Kelechi Ohiri, would speak on leveraging collaboration between NHIA and community pharmacists to advance universal health coverage.
Also expected is Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, who will speak on strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system and universal health coverage.
Igwekamma said the conference would feature policy dialogues, technical sessions, professional development programmes and strategic networking opportunities for participants from across the healthcare sector.
He said the engagements were aimed at generating practical solutions for improving access to quality medicines and strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Abiemwense Moru