By Becky Hassan
The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has highlighted the essential role played by its members in promoting routine immunization in the country. The ACPN emphasized that community pharmacists play a crucial part in the healthcare system, particularly in achieving the 2030 Universal Health Coverage target.
The association stressed that community pharmacists can contribute to addressing gaps in routine immunization coverage and increasing uptake. Adewale Oladigbolu, the National Chairman of ACPN, disclosed this ahead of the association’s upcoming 42nd Annual Scientific Conference in Asaba, Delta State, which focuses on “Building Effective Community Pharmacy Services for Universal Health Coverage.”
The conference aims to shed light on the significant role of community pharmacists in providing accessible and high-quality healthcare services for all. It will bring together renowned experts, policymakers, and community pharmacist representatives to discuss important topics, including the importance of community pharmacist services and the challenges they face.
Oladigbolu highlighted that community pharmacists go beyond dispensing medications and play a vital role in promoting public health and well-being. As the closest healthcare professionals to the public, community pharmacists have an important role in primary healthcare services, especially in routine immunization.
With universal health coverage being a global priority, it is crucial to recognize the substantial contribution of community pharmacists and explore ways to enhance their services. The involvement of community pharmacists in providing immunization services is pivotal to expanding access, particularly in resource-constrained settings and bridging the gap in skilled service providers.
Oladigbolu urged the Federal Government to integrate the over 8,000 community pharmacists in the country into the primary healthcare system. He emphasized that leveraging the private sector’s involvement would complement the efforts of the public healthcare system, particularly in improving routine immunization coverage.
To improve routine immunization, community pharmacists can play a vital role in reaching underserved populations and bridging the gaps in vaccination coverage. The ACPN aims to strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors to achieve optimal immunization coverage in Nigeria.
Data from recent surveys have revealed gaps in routine immunization coverage in Nigeria, indicating the need for concerted efforts to ensure all children receive recommended vaccines. The ACPN’s call to integrate community pharmacists into the primary healthcare system aligns with the goal of expanding access to immunization services and improving vaccination coverage nationwide.