N’Djamena, the vibrant capital of Chad, is playing host to the 25th edition of the International Pharmaceutical Forum, a pivotal gathering that brings together healthcare professionals, pharmaceutical experts, and delegates from across Africa. The event, centered on the theme of expanding healthcare access, aims to spotlight the critical role of local drug production and address the continent’s most pressing pharmaceutical challenges.
a landmark event for african health sovereignty
In an official address delivered on behalf of the President of the Republic, Prime Minister Allah Maye Halina warmly welcomed the international delegations to Chad. His remarks underscored the significance of their presence in N’Djamena, emphasizing how it reflects a shared commitment to strengthening health cooperation among African nations. The Prime Minister highlighted Chad’s pride in hosting this prestigious forum for the second time, having previously organized the 13th edition, and reiterated the country’s dedication to advancing public health initiatives.
The International Pharmaceutical Forum is more than a platform for scientific discourse; it serves as a dynamic arena for policy development and actionable solutions. Discussions and recommendations emerging from this gathering are expected to translate into tangible improvements in healthcare delivery across the continent. The Prime Minister emphasized the urgent need for Africa to enhance its capacity for producing essential medical supplies, including medications, vaccines, and medical devices, to reduce reliance on imports and better serve its people.
Under the leadership of Dr. Abdelmadjid Abderahim Mahamat, Chad’s Minister of Public Health and Prevention, the forum has become a vital space for exchanging best practices and fostering sustainable partnerships. Key priorities include improving access to quality medicines, strengthening pharmaceutical regulations, enhancing workforce training, and driving innovation in the sector.
local production and hospital pharmacy: twin pillars for progress
Laroussi Mustapha, representing InterOrdre, delivered a keynote address that framed the forum’s central theme: ‘Strengthening healthcare access: opportunities and challenges of local manufacturing and hospital pharmacy.’ He articulated how this theme aligns with the organization’s core mission, noting that every medication represents hope for a patient, every pharmacy a safeguard for families, and every decision a potential lifeline. Hospital pharmacies, he stressed, are indispensable to ensuring the safety and efficacy of healthcare delivery, acting as a cornerstone of public health resilience.
The forum provides a rare opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate on strategies that will not only improve healthcare access but also bolster the pharmaceutical independence of African nations. By prioritizing local production and robust hospital pharmacy systems, the event aims to create a sustainable framework for health security across the continent.
