By Yunus S Saliu
The Pharmacists Society of The Gambia has joined pharmacists worldwide in commemorating World Pharmacists Day, observed annually on September 25, under the theme, “Empowering Pharmacists for Healthier Futures.”
The day-long commemoration featured a march-past from Pipeline Mosque to the Youth Monument at Westfield, followed by a free community health screening exercise.
Doctors, nurses and pharmacists provided basic health services, including blood pressure and blood sugar screening, to members of the public.
Speaking at the event, Tijan Jallow, Director of Operations at the Medicines Control Agency and Course Coordinator of the Pharmacists Society of The Gambia, said the commemoration recognized the important role pharmacists play in protecting and improving the health of individuals and communities.
He said the theme highlighted the need to educate, train, support and empower pharmacists to respond to the changing demands of the healthcare sector.
“Pharmacist services are not just about the preparation and dispensing of medicine, but also about helping patients understand their medicines, promoting treatment adherence, identifying potential medication-related problems and supporting disease prevention alongside other healthcare services,” Jallow said.
He said pharmacists were increasingly facing emerging health challenges, including the growing burden of chronic diseases, antimicrobial resistance and medicine safety.
“These challenges require pharmacists who are well educated, highly skilled, adaptable and innovative, and not only equipped with traditional pharmaceutical knowledge,” he said.
Jallow commended the Government of The Gambia for establishing a pharmacy programme at the University of The Gambia (UTG), while calling for increased government scholarships for students pursuing pharmacy-related programmes.
Dr Ousainou Maharena, Public Relations Officer of the Pharmacists Society of The Gambia, speaking on behalf of the society’s president, said World Pharmacists Day was established by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) during its Council meeting in Istanbul, Türkiye, in 2009.
She said the society has participated in the annual global observance through activities including press briefings and community outreach programmes.
Maharena said the free blood pressure and blood sugar screening was part of efforts to bring basic health and pharmaceutical services closer to communities.
She said the role of pharmacists had evolved significantly, stressing that pharmacy was “not only about medicines, but also about people.”
“We start our Pharmacists Day with a march-past, and the goal is not simply to walk together, but to increase the visibility of the profession and raise public awareness about the important role pharmacists play in our health system,” she said.
Maharena commended members of the society for their dedication and professionalism and thanked the public for participating in the commemoration.
She also called for greater collaboration among stakeholders and continuous professional education for pharmacists.
Maharena urged the public to remain vigilant about the dangers of self-medication and the risks associated with counterfeit and substandard medicines.
She stressed the need for continued public education to ensure that communities obtain medicines from authorised sources and use them responsibly.
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