FREETOWN, Sierra Leone — During the opening of the 37th General Assembly of the West African Post-Graduate College of Pharmacists (WAPCP), Dr. Luke Bawo, Managing Director of the Liberia Medicines & Health Products Regulatory Authority (LMHRA), presented a significant statement addressing the challenges facing the pharmaceutical sector currently.
The assembly, held from April 7-10, 2025, gathered stakeholders from across West Africa to discuss pressing issues related to public health and the pharmaceutical industry. In his remarks, Dr. Bawo pointed out several critical obstacles, such as the rising costs of medications and the access barriers they create. He stressed the need for collaborative policies and innovative strategies to keep life-saving drugs affordable and accessible, especially for vulnerable populations.
“This year’s conference theme, ‘Emerging Substances of Abuse: Implications for the West African Region,’ closely aligns with LMHRA’s mission to enhance regulatory frameworks and best practices in pharmacy. The authority is ready to engage in meaningful discussions that will help us better serve communities, navigate drug regulation complexities, and improve public health throughout the region,” Dr. Bawo stated.
He also addressed the urgent need to combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), which he described as a significant threat to global health. Dr. Bawo urged stakeholders to prioritize AMR in their discussions, promoting responsible management of current antibiotics and the development of new treatments.
Furthermore, he pointed out challenges arising from strict regulatory requirements set by various health authorities, advocating for the harmonization of regulations across West African nations. This would streamline processes while maintaining safety and efficacy standards. He noted that ongoing disruptions in global supply chains, exacerbated by recent health crises, require resilient strategies to ensure a steady supply of essential medicines.
The lasting impacts of public health crises, particularly those from the COVID-19 pandemic, were also key points in Dr. Bawo’s speech. He called for preparedness strategies that address not only current issues but also anticipate future public health emergencies. Regarding ethical considerations, he emphasized the need for increased transparency in drug pricing and clinical trials, highlighting the importance of public trust through accountability and ethical practices in the pharmaceutical sector.
In light of the rising influence of digital advancements, Dr. Bawo stressed the importance of digital transformation within the industry. He encouraged stakeholders to adopt innovative data management practices that would improve drug development and distribution while ensuring patient safety. Environmental sustainability was another significant focus, as he called for sustainable practices in the pharmaceutical sector, stressing that commitment to environmental sustainability is vital for public health and the planet’s well-being.
Lastly, Dr. Bawo discussed the ongoing global health disparities and stressed the necessity of solidarity and cooperation among nations to close these gaps and ensure equitable access to healthcare resources. He expressed confidence in the West African pharmaceutical community’s ability to address these challenges through collaboration and innovation. He encouraged attendees to engage in meaningful discussions and create actionable strategies to strengthen the sector and promote better health outcomes for all.
He noted that the assembly offers an essential platform for robust discussions aimed at refining strategies and fostering partnerships to address the critical challenges facing West Africa’s pharmaceutical sector. Expressing gratitude for joining the conference, Dr. Bawo described it as a crucial platform for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing. He highlighted the importance of collective expertise among pharmacists, regulators, and stakeholders in strengthening healthcare systems focused on patient safety and quality of medicine access.
“As we begin this journey over the next few days, let us promote goodwill, openness, and collaboration. Each of you brings unique insights that can inspire meaningful change. Together, we have the power to build a healthier future and uphold the principles of integrity, excellence, and professionalism within our field,” he said.
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