Pharmanews

Health Writers, LASG educate Ikorodu mothers on better breastfeeding

Temitope Obayendo — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 22:53:52 +0000

As part of activities commemorating the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week, the Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN), in collaboration with the Lagos State Health District II, took the breastfeeding campaign to nursing mothers and pregnant women at Majidun Primary Healthcare Centre, Ikorodu West LCDA, on Thursday, August 6, 2026. The advocacy programme, themed “Breastfeeding […]

The post Health Writers, LASG educate Ikorodu mothers on better breastfeeding appeared first on Pharmanews.

Beware of fake diabetes medicines in circulation, NAFDAC warns Nigerians

Our Correspondent — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 15:16:21 +0000

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians to the circulation of suspected counterfeit diabetes medicines being passed off as Forxiga (dapagliflozin), warning that their use could pose serious health risks. The alert followed the discovery of the fake products during post-market surveillance by pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, which […]

The post Beware of fake diabetes medicines in circulation, NAFDAC warns Nigerians appeared first on Pharmanews.

Expand consultant pharmacists’ roles to boost patient safety, WAPCP tells FG

Ranmilowo Ojalumo — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 11:58:08 +0000

The Nigeria Chapter of the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists (WAPCP) has called for the expansion of consultant pharmacists’ clinical roles across the country’s healthcare system, saying the move is critical to improving patient safety, reducing medication errors and strengthening health outcomes. The call was the central message of the College’s 8th Scientific […]

The post Expand consultant pharmacists’ roles to boost patient safety, WAPCP tells FG appeared first on Pharmanews.

Chikungunya: History, causes and management

Patrick Iwelunmor — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 09:40:54 +0000

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted primarily through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It is characterised by sudden fever, severe joint pain, headache, muscle pain, rash, and fatigue. Although rarely fatal, the disease can cause significant discomfort and disability, especially due to persistent joint pain that may last for months or even years. Chikungunya […]

The post Chikungunya: History, causes and management appeared first on Pharmanews.

ACPN renews call for greater role for community pharmacists in NHIA, primary healthcare

Adebayo Oladejo — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 17:09:09 +0000

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has renewed its call on the Federal Government to fully integrate community pharmacists into the implementation of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the country’s primary healthcare system, saying the move would improve access to quality healthcare and accelerate the attainment of universal health coverage. […]

The post ACPN renews call for greater role for community pharmacists in NHIA, primary healthcare appeared first on Pharmanews.

Breastfeeding is good – but why are we so bad at it?

Onyinye Chiekwe — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 16:17:52 +0000

The inspiration for this title came from an insightful paper titled “Breastfeeding is a Public Health Priority: Why Are we So Badat If? “The question is thought-provoking. Medical science, global regulatory bodies, and intuitive maternal. instincts universally agree that breast milk is the absolute gold standard of infant nutrition. Yet many countries, including Nigeria, […]

The post Breastfeeding is good – but why are we so bad at it? appeared first on Pharmanews.

Pharmanews Journal August PDF Edition Free Download

Our Correspondent — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 08:30:18 +0000

Pharmanews is the largest circulating health periodical, covering all the 36 states of Nigeria and beyond. Pharmanews continues to break new grounds in health reportage and has established an enviable reputation in the healthcare sector and in the pharmaceutical industry, in particular.

The post Pharmanews Journal August PDF Edition Free Download appeared first on Pharmanews.

Nigeria moves closer to universal health coverage, NHIA says

Patrick Iwelunmor — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 12:14:51 +0000

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) says the number of Nigerians enrolled in health insurance has risen to 22.03 million, reflecting significant progress in the country’s quest to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Director General of the NHIA, Dr Kelechi Ohiri, disclosed this during the Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Association of […]

The post Nigeria moves closer to universal health coverage, NHIA says appeared first on Pharmanews.

Breaking down hepatitis begins with political will

Our Correspondent — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 11:55:47 +0000

On 28 July, Nigeria joined the global community in marking World Hepatitis Day, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about one of the most persistent public health challenges of our time. The theme for this year, “Hepatitis – Let’s Break It Down,” highlighted the urgency of dismantling barriers to prevention, diagnosis, and […]

The post Breaking down hepatitis begins with political will appeared first on Pharmanews.

Keyamo commends community pharmacists’ role in healthcare delivery

Adebayo Oladejo — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 11:18:44 +0000

–As Oby Ikwu wins ACPN Secretary Poll, Akwa Ibom tops state dynamics The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, has commended community pharmacists for their contributions to healthcare delivery and national development, urging them to remain diligent and professional in the discharge of their responsibilities. Keyamo, who was represented by […]

The post Keyamo commends community pharmacists’ role in healthcare delivery appeared first on Pharmanews.

Stronger health systems key to optimal breastfeeding — WHO, FG

Temitope Obayendo — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 16:04:45 +0000

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has underscored the need for sustained investments in strengthening health systems globally, saying resilient healthcare systems are critical to achieving optimal breastfeeding and improving the health of mothers and newborns. According to the apex health agency, stronger health systems will significantly improve breastfeeding practices by ensuring mothers have uninterrupted […]

The post Stronger health systems key to optimal breastfeeding — WHO, FG appeared first on Pharmanews.

Ayuba, Ezeh push for policy influence, healthcare transformation

Adebayo Oladejo — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 10:21:06 +0000

The President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Ibrahim Tanko Ayuba, and the National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Pharm. Ezeh Igwekanma Ambrose, have called on pharmacists to take a more active role in shaping health policies and driving healthcare transformation in the country. The duo made […]

The post Ayuba, Ezeh push for policy influence, healthcare transformation appeared first on Pharmanews.

Ndidiamaka Okpareke: Champion of modern pharmaceutical compounding

Ola Aboderin — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 09:43:09 +0000

The practice of pharmacy has always been about more than dispensing medicines; it is about tailoring care to individual patients’ needs and finding innovative ways to improve health outcomes. Thus, even in this era of mass-produced medicines and automated dispensing, a select group of visionary pharmacists continues to champion pharmaceutical compounding, recognising that […]

The post Ndidiamaka Okpareke: Champion of modern pharmaceutical compounding appeared first on Pharmanews.

Akume tasks community pharmacists on drug access, health security

Adebayo Oladejo — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 09:13:35 +0000

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has challenged community pharmacists to play a more strategic role in improving access to quality medicines, combating counterfeit drugs, strengthening primary healthcare and advancing Nigeria’s quest for Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Akume gave the charge at the opening ceremony of the 45th […]

The post Akume tasks community pharmacists on drug access, health security appeared first on Pharmanews.

PCN seals 505 premises in Cross River

Our Correspondent — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 13:26:52 +0000

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 505 illegal and non-compliant premises in Cross River State, following a four-day enforcement exercise aimed at sanitising the pharmaceutical sector and protecting public health. The operation, which covered 10 Local Government Areas, involved the inspection of 602 pharmaceutical premises. Findings revealed that nearly half (48.3 per cent) […]

The post PCN seals 505 premises in Cross River appeared first on Pharmanews.

Our sufficiency is in God

Ifeanyi Atueyi — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 12:13:05 +0000

God does not have a resource problem. He owns the earth and everything in it: humanity, animals, plants, the seas, the air, light, gold and every other created thing. They are all His handiwork and remain under His sovereign control. Therefore, whenever God purposes to accomplish something, He never lacks the resources to do […]

The post Our sufficiency is in God appeared first on Pharmanews.

Breaking barriers to optimal breastfeeding in Nigeria

Temitope Obayendo — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 11:00:37 +0000

Six weeks after giving birth, Tolu Adekoya’s phone rang during an executive meeting. It was her mother, telling her that the breast milk she had left for her baby had run out. She became distraught and confused, uncertain whether to dash back home or remain at work, where she had been saddled with an urgent […]

The post Breaking barriers to optimal breastfeeding in Nigeria appeared first on Pharmanews.

Customs foils major health threat, seizes N53.4bn fake, expired medicines at Apapa port

Ranmilowo Ojalumo — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 16:49:34 +0000

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) recently averted a major public health threat after intercepting fake, expired and unregistered pharmaceutical products worth over N53.39 billion at the Apapa Port in Lagos. The seizure, which also included illicit narcotics, codeine-containing cough syrup and other prohibited substances, prevented potentially dangerous medicines from entering the Nigerian market […]

The post Customs foils major health threat, seizes N53.4bn fake, expired medicines at Apapa port appeared first on Pharmanews.

Pharmacy leaders urge owners to build systems, not shops

Adebayo Oladejo — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 14:23:49 +0000

Pharmacy leaders have challenged community pharmacy owners to move beyond operating individual outlets and begin building structured, scalable organisations capable of attracting and retaining skilled professionals. The call was made during the first plenary session of the 45th Annual International Scientific Conference of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), tagged Unity […]

The post Pharmacy leaders urge owners to build systems, not shops appeared first on Pharmanews.

Unsafe drug distribution threatens Nigerians’ lives: Omaruaye, Igwe warn

Adebayo Oladejo — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 14:42:30 +0000

The National Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Wholesalers and Distributors Association of Nigeria (PWDAN), Pharm. Ogheneochuko Omaruaye, has warned that Nigeria’s weak and largely unregulated drug distribution system continues to expose millions of Nigerians to unsafe medicines, urging stronger collaboration among regulators, government and pharmaceutical stakeholders to protect public health. Omaruaye gave the warning […]

The post Unsafe drug distribution threatens Nigerians’ lives: Omaruaye, Igwe warn appeared first on Pharmanews.

Healthcare leadership gap persists despite women’s significant role in workforce – EWAH

Adebayo Oladejo — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 11:20:38 +0000

Despite their significant contribution to healthcare delivery globally, women remain underrepresented in leadership and decision-making positions within the health sector, stakeholders have said, calling for deliberate efforts to close the gap and promote more inclusive healthcare systems. The concern was raised at the 2026 edition of the Extraordinary Women Advancing Healthcare (EWAH) Awards held […]

The post Healthcare leadership gap persists despite women’s significant role in workforce – EWAH appeared first on Pharmanews.

Stop blaming young pharmacists, fix workplaces to retain talent- Odukoya

Adebayo Oladejo — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 10:59:50 +0000

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Vanguard Pharmacy Limited, Pharm. Taofik Odukoya, has urged community pharmacy owners to stop blaming young pharmacists for the industry’s growing workforce challenges and instead create workplaces that attract, develop and retain talent. Odukoya made the call in an interview with Pharmanewsonline, after participating as a panellist at the first […]

The post Stop blaming young pharmacists, fix workplaces to retain talent- Odukoya appeared first on Pharmanews.

Gov Bago, SGF, others seek greater role for pharmacists in healthcare delivery

Adebayo Oladejo — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 13:59:45 +0000

-As ACPN holds 45th Annual International Scientific Conference in Abuja Governor of Niger State, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and other stakeholders have called for a greater role for community pharmacists in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system through improved access to quality medicines, primary healthcare […]

The post Gov Bago, SGF, others seek greater role for pharmacists in healthcare delivery appeared first on Pharmanews.

Minister unveils 7 indigenous medicinal products at NNMDA

Temitope Obayendo — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 10:10:45 +0000

– Says products are set for commercialisation by industry partners In a renewed bid to harness the nation’s natural resources to boost healthcare access and grow the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, officially launched seven indigenous healthcare products developed by the Nigeria Natural Medicine […]

The post Minister unveils 7 indigenous medicinal products at NNMDA appeared first on Pharmanews.

NAFDAC, FIP charge community pharmacists on medicine safety, global best practices

Adebayo Oladejo — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 09:51:55 +0000

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) have challenged community pharmacists in Nigeria to strengthen medicine safety, embrace global best practices and deepen their contributions to primary healthcare, patient safety and universal health coverage. The charge was delivered at the 45th Annual International Scientific […]

The post NAFDAC, FIP charge community pharmacists on medicine safety, global best practices appeared first on Pharmanews.

The new pharmacist series (2)

Sesan Kareem — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 08:08:42 +0000

What coordinated care actually looks like Last month, I sat across from a 31-old man in our consulting room. He has sickle cell disease. Two years ago, he was in crisis every six to eight weeks. Emergency room visits. Missed work. A wife who had begun to dread Sunday nights because she could […]

The post The new pharmacist series (2) appeared first on Pharmanews.

ACPN opens Unity 2026 Conference with health insurance walk

Adebayo Oladejo — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 07:45:26 +0000

Abuja came alive on Monday as the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) formally commenced its 45th Annual International Scientific Conference with a health insurance awareness walk, rallying Nigerians to embrace health insurance as a pathway to quality, affordable and accessible healthcare. The conference, holding at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre […]

The post ACPN opens Unity 2026 Conference with health insurance walk appeared first on Pharmanews.

The discipline of inner stillness

Lere Baale — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 11:00:28 +0000

“Nowhere can a man find a quieter or more untroubled retreat than in his own soul.” — Marcus Aurelius “In quietness and confident trust shall be your strength.” — Isaiah 30:15 (AMP) Modern life is saturated with noise—constant information, endless opinions, and relentless urgency. Many leaders mistake activity for effectiveness and busyness for […]

The post The discipline of inner stillness appeared first on Pharmanews.

Nigerian pharmacist becomes first African chair of British Academy of Management

Temitope Obayendo — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 10:05:41 +0000

A Nigerian pharmacist and management scholar, Professor Christian Harrison, has made history after being elected Chair of the British Academy of Management (BAM), becoming the first African and the first Black person to occupy the position since the Academy was established. The British Academy of Management is the United Kingdom’s leading learned society for […]

The post Nigerian pharmacist becomes first African chair of British Academy of Management appeared first on Pharmanews.

NAFDAC to enforce mandatory pharma products traceability compliance from 2027

Temitope Obayendo — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 09:04:43 +0000

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says there is no going back on its plan to commence enforcement of the Pharmaceutical Products (Traceability) Regulations, 2024, from 1 January, 2027, declaring that compliance will become a mandatory requirement for the grant and renewal of marketing authorisations for pharmaceutical companies. The […]

The post NAFDAC to enforce mandatory pharma products traceability compliance from 2027 appeared first on Pharmanews.