Pharmacists, policymakers converge on healthcare access at ACPN’s Unity 2026

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L-R National Chairman, ACPN, Pharm Ezeh Ambrose, Dr Kelechi Ohiri DG National health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Pharm Chidi Dozie FPSN. Chairman, CPC, Unity 2026.

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By Esther Onyegbula

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The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has announced plans to convene political leaders, healthcare policymakers, regulators and pharmaceutical experts at its 45th Annual International Scientific Conference, Unity 2026, with a renewed push to expand healthcare access, strengthen Nigeria’s health system and accelerate universal health coverage.

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The conference, scheduled to hold from July 27 to August 1, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, will be held under the theme, “From Local Pharmacy Practice to Global Impact: Managing Complex Political Systems.”

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Organisers said the week-long event would focus on strengthening collaboration among government, healthcare professionals and development partners to address challenges affecting healthcare delivery, pharmaceutical supply chains, regulation and access to quality medicines.

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Activities will commence on July 27 with a health insurance awareness walk themed, “Health Insurance for All: Leaving No One Behind,” to be led by the Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, alongside the ACPN National Chairman, Pharm. Ezeh Ambrose Igwekamma.

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The exercise is expected to attract pharmacists, healthcare stakeholders, policymakers and members of the public in a bid to deepen awareness and participation in Nigeria’s health insurance scheme.
As part of the conference, Dr. Ohiri will deliver a presentation titled, “Leveraging NHIA, Community Pharmacists Collaboration as a Catalyst for Universal Health Coverage,” where he is expected to outline strategies for strengthening partnerships between community pharmacists and health insurance providers to improve access to affordable healthcare.

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Also billed to address participants is the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, who will speak on “Healthcare System Strengthening and Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria,” focusing on efforts to build a more resilient and inclusive healthcare system.

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The conference has also attracted an array of senior government officials and policymakers, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, among other leading figures in Nigeria’s healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.

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Speaking ahead of the conference, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Pharm. Chidi Dozie, said preparations had been concluded to host local and international delegates for what is expected to be one of Africa’s largest gatherings of community pharmacists.

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According to Dozie, the conference will provide a platform for regulators, policymakers, industry leaders, healthcare practitioners and development partners to examine emerging issues affecting healthcare delivery and pharmaceutical practice.

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He said: “The participation of senior government officials reflects increasing recognition of community pharmacists as indispensable stakeholders in Nigeria’s healthcare architecture.

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“This gathering offers a unique opportunity to transform professional recommendations into actionable policies capable of improving healthcare access and strengthening national health security.”

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Dozie added that participants would also gain practical insights into optimising pharmaceutical supply chains, improving operational efficiency, managing risks and navigating increasingly complex healthcare regulations.

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He stressed the need for stronger institutional frameworks capable of protecting investments in the pharmacy sector while promoting sustainable healthcare delivery.

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The ACPN National Chairman, Pharm. Ezeh Ambrose Igwekamma, described Unity 2026 as a defining moment for the pharmacy profession and an opportunity to reposition community pharmacists at the centre of Nigeria’s healthcare transformation.

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He noted that pharmacists have assumed greater responsibilities in expanding healthcare access over the past decade and should be fully integrated into grassroots healthcare delivery and rural development initiatives.

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“Our expectation for Unity 2026 goes beyond professional discussions. We aim to develop a practical roadmap that will strengthen community pharmacy practice and position pharmacists as key contributors to healthcare policy and national development,” he said.

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Igwekamma also highlighted ACPN’s efforts to implement the Community Pharmacists Assessment and Career Progression Institute (CPACPI), a framework endorsed by the International Pharmaceutical Federation to provide a structured pathway for professional development and career advancement.

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He reiterated the association’s advocacy for the formal recognition of community pharmacies as Primary Healthcare Centres, arguing that their accessibility and frontline presence make them strategic assets in achieving universal health coverage.

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Delivering the keynote address, the Managing Director of Evans Therapeutics Limited, Pharm. Adewale Oyenuga, is expected to focus on pharmaceutical manufacturing, supply chain resilience and regulatory compliance.

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According to him, strengthening local drug production and aligning Nigeria’s pharmaceutical standards with global best practices remain essential to guaranteeing access to quality medicines and protecting public health.

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Also speaking on the significance of the conference, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, described the gathering as a watershed for the pharmacy profession.

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He stressed that pharmacists must combine technical expertise with active policy engagement to shape healthcare governance and contribute meaningfully to national and global health goals.

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Organisers said the conference will feature high-level policy dialogues, technical sessions, professional development programmes and strategic networking opportunities aimed at producing practical recommendations to improve access to quality medicines, strengthen healthcare systems and build a more resilient pharmaceutical sector capable of meeting the health needs of millions of Nigerians.

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