ACPN 44th Annual Conference Spotlights Tech-Driven Care

Esther Oluku

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has announced its 44th Annual International Conference, scheduled to take place from July 22 to July 27, 2025, in Awka, Anambra State.

This year’s theme, “Technology Integration, Personalized Care: The Future of Community Pharmacy Practice,” highlights the urgent need for community pharmacists to adopt digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence, telepharmacy, and electronic health records, while embracing personalized pharmaceutical care models.

In a statement signed by the National Chairman, ACPN, Pharm. Ezeh Ambrose Igwekamma, the group noted that the conference underscores the association’s commitment to transforming healthcare delivery through innovation to meet the health needs of Nigeria’s increasingly tech-savvy and wellness-conscious population.

The conference is expected to convene over 3,000 delegates, including pharmacists, technologists, researchers, policymakers, and healthcare entrepreneurs from within and outside Nigeria.

Key highlights of the conference will include a symbolic walk against fake and counterfeit medicines, technical sessions, innovation showcases, and cultural events.

ACPN expressed concern over the resurgence of fake and substandard drugs in Nigeria, despite earlier progress made during the tenure of the late Prof. Dora Akunyili at NAFDAC.

Referencing findings from studies conducted by the Federal Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization as far back as 1988, and a 1998 UNILAG study, it revealed alarming figures that linked open drug markets and patent medicine vendors to the proliferation of counterfeit medicines.

The association warned that Nigeria may be relapsing into an era where over 50 per cent of medicines in circulation are fake, despite official statistics quoting lower figures.

Through its annual conference, ACPN is supporting advocacy for urgent reforms and a strengthened legal framework through an amendment of the existing Fake Drug and Unwholesome Food Act.

As the conference approaches, the group calls on healthcare professionals and industry stakeholders to rally behind the cause of modernizing community pharmacy for a healthier Nigeria.