By: Manoah Kikekon
ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) prepares to host its 45th Annual International Scientific Conference, "Unity 2026." Scheduled for July 27 to August 1, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, the event is set to be a cornerstone for discussions on expanding healthcare access and reinforcing Nigeria’s health architecture.
The week-long summit will operate under the theme, "From Local Pharmacy Practice to Global Impact: Managing Complex Political Systems."
The proceedings will commence on July 27 with a public advocacy walk focused on the theme, "Health Insurance for All: Leaving No One Behind." This initiative will be spearheaded by the Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, and the ACPN National Chairman, Pharm. Ezeh Ambrose Igwekamma, aiming to drive nationwide awareness and participation in Nigeria’s health insurance schemes.
The conference is poised to be a watershed moment for the pharmacy profession, with a heavy emphasis on policy integration. Dr. Ohiri is expected to lead a strategic presentation on "Leveraging NHIA–Community Pharmacists Collaboration as a Catalyst for Universal Health Coverage."
This session will explore how formalizing the partnership between community pharmacists and health insurance providers can bridge the gap in affordable healthcare services, particularly for underserved populations.
"Our expectation for Unity 2026 goes beyond professional discussions," stated ACPN National Chairman, Pharm. Ezeh Ambrose Igwekamma.
"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. We believe community pharmacies should be formally recognized as Primary Healthcare Centres given their frontline presence and accessibility to the grassroots."
The event has attracted a robust lineup of government leaders, including the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, and top-tier policy figures such as Godswill Akpabio, Tajudeen Abbas, and Muhammad Ali Pate. These stakeholders will examine critical issues, including pharmaceutical supply chain resilience, regulatory compliance, and local drug manufacturing.
Pharm. Chidi Dozie, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, noted that the conference is designed to turn professional recommendations into actionable government policies.
"The participation of senior government officials reflects the increasing recognition of community pharmacists as indispensable stakeholders in Nigeria’s healthcare architecture," Dozie remarked. "The gathering provides a unique opportunity to examine emerging challenges affecting healthcare delivery and to foster a more resilient health sector."