With the participation of 37 African countries, Chad is hosting the International Pharmaceutical Forum to discuss the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Ahmed Salem
Chad’s Prime Minister, Lamay Halena, opened the 25th session of the International Pharmaceutical Forum on Wednesday in the capital, N’Djamena, with the participation of experts, officials and representatives of the pharmaceutical sector from 37 African countries, in an event that focuses on ways to enhance access to health services and develop local pharmaceutical production.
The forum, held under the theme «Enhancing Access to Healthcare: Challenges and Opportunities Related to Local Production and Hospital Pharmacy,» is under the patronage of President Mohamed Idriss Deby, where participants will discuss mechanisms to support the African pharmaceutical industry and improve the provision of medicines in accordance with quality and safety standards.
During the opening session, the Minister of Public Health and Prevention, Abdul Majeed Abdul Rahim, stressed that developing a national pharmaceutical industry is one of the essential paths to confront the phenomenon of counterfeit medicines and ensure the provision of safe and effective treatments for the population, pointing to the importance of strengthening local production capacities to achieve pharmaceutical security.
International Pharmaceutical Forum: Promoting Investments in the Pharmaceutical Sector
For his part, the Prime Minister stressed the need to boost investments in the pharmaceutical sector and strengthen the productive capacities of the African continent, considering that reducing dependence on drug imports represents a strategic bet for achieving health security and supporting economic development.
He added that building an African pharmaceutical system capable of responding to health needs and emergencies has become an increasing priority for many African countries, given the challenges associated with global supply chains.
The forum aims to formulate practical recommendations that contribute to the development of a competitive African pharmaceutical sector that complies with international standards, in addition to strengthening cooperation between governments, the private sector and specialized scientific institutions.
The opening ceremony included honoring a number of African researchers in recognition of their contributions to the field of pharmaceutical sciences, and a special award was given to the President of the Republic in recognition of his support for efforts to develop health systems and the pharmaceutical sector.
The forum is scheduled to continue its work in the coming days, through scientific sessions, specialized exhibitions and workshops addressing issues of local drug manufacturing, hospital pharmacy and the standardization of regulatory standards for the pharmaceutical sector in Africa.
