N’Djamena, Chad — The 25th edition of the International Pharmaceutical Forum is underway in Chad’s capital, uniting health experts, policymakers, and delegates from across Africa to address critical challenges in healthcare access and pharmaceutical development.
a gathering of leaders and innovators
The forum, held under the theme ‘Boosting healthcare access: local production and hospital pharmacy challenges and opportunities’, serves as a pivotal platform for shaping the future of Africa’s pharmaceutical landscape. Attendees include government officials, industry leaders, and medical professionals who share a common goal: to transform healthcare delivery through local manufacturing and improved regulatory frameworks.
Chad’s commitment to healthcare transformation
The Prime Minister of Chad, representing the President, extended a warm welcome to delegates, emphasizing the nation’s dedication to advancing health cooperation in Africa. During his address, he highlighted Chad’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its healthcare system, noting that the country has already hosted the 13th edition of the forum—a testament to its leadership in regional health initiatives.
The Prime Minister underscored the urgent need for African nations to enhance local production of essential medicines, vaccines, and medical supplies. ‘Our continent must reduce its dependence on imports by building robust pharmaceutical industries,’ he stated, adding that Chad is actively investing in infrastructure and regulatory reforms to support this vision.
expert insights and actionable solutions
The Minister of Public Health and Prevention, Dr. Abdelmadjid Abderahim Mahamat, described the forum as a unique opportunity to forge lasting partnerships and identify practical solutions. ‘We must address the gaps in medication access, regulatory compliance, workforce training, and innovation,’ he said, emphasizing the forum’s role in driving policy changes that benefit patients.
Representing InterOrdre, Mr. Laroussi Mustapha delivered a keynote speech, stressing that every decision in pharmaceutical development directly impacts lives. ‘From the factory to the pharmacy shelf, our work is about saving lives and empowering communities,’ he remarked, calling hospital pharmacies a cornerstone of healthcare quality and patient safety.
a roadmap for africa’s pharmaceutical future
As the forum concludes, delegates will collaborate on strategies to bolster local production, improve supply chains, and ensure equitable access to medicines. The discussions aim to translate into tangible policies that strengthen Africa’s pharmaceutical sovereignty and resilience against global health crises.
