Involve us in tackling Ebola, different illnesses – Pharmacists urge FG, States

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, ACPN, has known as on President Bola Tinubu and state governors to contain group pharmacists in efforts to include the unfold of Ebola and different infectious illnesses within the nation.

The affiliation made the decision in response to the latest affirmation of Ebola in Nigeria, urging the Federal Government to undertake a nationwide ‘Pharmacy First’ protocol.

The name was contained in a press launch signed by ACPN National Chairman, Pharmacist Ambrose Ezeh, and made obtainable to DAILY POST on Friday night.

Ezeh urged the Federal Government to place group pharmacies as frontline centres for the early identification of suspected Ebola instances and different infectious illness outbreaks.

He additionally known as for the mixing of group pharmacists into the nationwide illness surveillance system to strengthen Nigeria’s epidemic preparedness.

According to him, the federal and state governments ought to formally recognise group pharmacies as essential companions in epidemic surveillance and first healthcare supply.

He mentioned the initiative would develop group pharmacy observe past meting out medicines to incorporate early symptom recognition, well being training, primary screening and immediate referral of people presenting signs suggestive of Ebola or different infectious illnesses.

The assertion learn, “We consider it necessary to sensitise and mobilise the Federal Government to approve specific investment plans to leverage the Pharmacy First Initiative as a front-line Ebola detection protocol, which stands as one of the best mechanisms to catalyse Universal Health Coverage, UHC, in Nigeria.

“The initiative would expand community pharmacy practice beyond the dispensing of medicines to include early symptom recognition, health education, basic screening and prompt referral of individuals presenting with symptoms suggestive of Ebola or other infectious diseases.

“We urge President Bola Tinubu to issue the enabling policy directive today, and our national network will activate the ‘Pharmacy First’ screening protocol within 48 hours.”

The affiliation mentioned adopting the protocol would strengthen community-level illness surveillance and enhance early identification and referral of suspected instances.