Involve us in tackling Ebola, other diseases - Pharmacists urge FG, States

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has urged President Bola Tinubu and state governors to actively involve community pharmacists in the fight against Ebola and other infectious diseases in Nigeria. Reacting to the recent confirmation of Ebola in the country, the ACPN released a press statement, calling for the implementation of a nationwide 'Pharmacy First' protocol.

ACPN National Chairman, Pharmacist Ambrose Ezeh, emphasized the critical role community pharmacies could play as frontline centers for early identification of Ebola cases and other infectious disease outbreaks. He also advocated for the integration of community pharmacists into Nigeria's national disease surveillance system to bolster the country's epidemic preparedness.

Ezeh proposed that the federal and state governments formally recognize community pharmacies as vital partners in epidemic surveillance and primary healthcare delivery. He explained that this initiative would extend the scope of community pharmacy practice beyond simple medicine dispensing to include early symptom recognition, health education, basic screening, and prompt referral of individuals with symptoms of Ebola or other infectious diseases.

The ACPN stressed that the 'Pharmacy First' initiative should be approved as a front-line Ebola detection protocol, aiming to enhance Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria. They urged President Tinubu to issue the enabling policy directive immediately, with the national network activating the 'Pharmacy First' screening protocol within 48 hours.