The Nigerian Association of Foreign Trained Pharmacists NAFTraph has convened its 6th annual international conference themed: “Integrated Healthcare and Public Health Systems in the era of Socio-Economic Crisis: How to Improve Populations Health Outcomes’. The 3days event had many dignitaries including Dr. Terrance Baker of
John Hopkins hospital, USA, in attendance.
The NAFTraph president, Dr. John C. Ejezie in his welcome address titled ‘Harnessing the strength of community and social connectedness in the face of socio-economic crisis’, postulates thus: “The socio-economic conditions in the country have continued to deteriorate, the general population have continued to experience
hardships in higher proportions. From exorbitant petroleum products, pharmaceutical products to runaway inflation and everything in-between, the basic necessities of life have become a huge challenge in our society at large. Our members are equally adversely impacted as well. Our pharmacy-based immunization training certificate program suffered some setbacks because naira could not keep up with APhA’s program fees priced in dollars.
“Our health fairs and wellness events suffered some setbacks as well, some of our partners could not redeem their pledge citing economic downturn and dismal of business returns on investment. The list goes on. Recall the COVID-19 pandemic, in retrospect, if we could survive that global public health threat that brought even the most powerful nations to their kneels, by the grace of God, then, we can overcome and prevail over the current hardships and socio-economic crises.
“There is a common saying that ‘tough times don’t last, but tough people do!’
Despite all the setbacks, we still had our health
fairs and wellness events. NAFTraPh Foundation is still gathering momentum, hoping to gain more partnerships in the new year. Our Clinical
Care Corner led by Dr. Michael Danzaria is
strong! We have continued to promote
scholarships and academic advancement among our members.”
The chairman of the Epoch-making event, Hon. Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi in his opening remarks urged everyone to keep their dreams and aspirations alive, even in challenging times.
A community physician, Dr. Terrance L. Baker, MD, MS, PhD(H) of John Hopkins hospital, USA who lectured at the event spoke extensively on medication safety and prudent utilisation. He opined that health is wealth, adding that a solid healthcare system is crucial for any country.
“Nigeria can become the manufacturing guru of the world”, Dr. Baker enthused.
The 3 days conference that held in Lagos from 10th – 12th of October, 2024 was highly impactful. Awards and Fellowship were confered on deserving individuals including prof. Aina Bolajoko.
Faculties includes: Hon. Prince Julius Adelusi Adeluyi, Dr. John Ejezie, Dr. Joachim Okafor, Dr. Terrance Baker, Dr. Michael Danzaria.
NAFTraPh is a unique professional organization that promotes community capacity building, creates health awareness, educates and sensitizes members to leverage on the resources and opportunities available to them, fosters collaborations and partnerships with other healthcare professionals, agencies, organizations, and other stakeholders
in advocating for safe, efficacious and cost- effective drug therapies for the larger society to
enhance the health indicators of our people.
