The Chadian capital, N’Djamena, is currently hosting the 25th International Pharmaceutical Forum, a pivotal gathering that has brought together leading experts, health professionals, and delegates from numerous African nations. This significant event is dedicated to enhancing access to healthcare and championing the local production of medicines, with a clear focus on overcoming the pharmaceutical sector’s challenges across the continent.

Representing the President of the Republic, Prime Minister and Head of Government, Mr. Allah Maye Halina, extended a warm welcome to all delegations from sister and friendly countries present in N’Djamena. He emphasized that their presence not only honors Chad but also signifies a collective commitment to strengthening cooperation in the vital domain of health.

Chad expresses genuine pleasure in hosting this 25th edition of the International Pharmaceutical Forum, having previously been the venue for its 13th iteration. This assembly provides an exceptional platform for dialogue, the exchange of valuable experiences, and the collaborative pursuit of solutions to contemporary health challenges. The International Pharmaceutical Forum transcends mere scientific discourse; it serves as a crucial framework for guiding public policy. The insights and recommendations emerging from this forum are expected to translate into concrete actions benefiting populations directly.

The Prime Minister underscored the imperative for Africa to cultivate its capacity to produce a greater volume of essential health products, including medicines, vaccines, and medical devices, to adequately meet the needs of its people. He further highlighted the Chadian government’s ongoing endeavors to bolster its healthcare system, broaden access to medical services, and consolidate national capabilities within the pharmaceutical sphere.

In his address, Dr. Abdelmadjid Abderahim Mahamat, the Minister of Public Health and Prevention, articulated that this forum presents an unparalleled opportunity for interaction, experience sharing, and the forging of enduring partnerships. He stressed the importance for participants to collectively identify actionable solutions to tackle challenges related to securing quality medicines, refining pharmaceutical regulation, advancing training initiatives, and fostering innovation.

Speaking on behalf of InterOrdre, Mr. Laroussi Mustapha noted the particular significance of inaugurating this 25th International Pharmaceutical Forum, which operates under the theme: « Renforcer l’accès aux soins de santé : opportunités et défis de la fabrication locale et de la pharmacie hospitalière » (Strengthening access to healthcare: opportunities and challenges of local manufacturing and hospital pharmacy).

He underscored that this theme resonates deeply with their core mission, recognizing that behind every medication lies a patient, behind every pharmacy a family, and behind every decision a human life. He also reiterated that hospital pharmacy stands as an indispensable link in ensuring the safety and quality of care, serving as a genuine beacon of hope for communities.

This high-level convergence thus offers stakeholders in the pharmaceutical sector a prime opportunity to collaboratively deliberate on strategies aimed at sustainably improving healthcare access and reinforcing the health sovereignty of African nations.