The Young Pharmacists’ Group Sierra Leone (YPG-SL) collaborates with the Pharmaceutical Society of Sierra Leone (PSSL), National and Western Area branch as well as the National Association of Pharmaceutical Students – Sierra Leone (NAPS-SL) in commemorating this year’s World Pharmacist Day (WPD.

About a week ahead of the Global Commemoration date, PSSL and YPG-SL launched a robust radio and Tv discussion in all the popular platforms to boost public awareness about the profession and talk about the theme for this year’s celebration. It was a five (5) days event that also includes YPG-SL Annual General Assembly (AGA) on the 23rd (day 1) and 24th (day 2) of September 2022.

This year’s umbrella theme was “Pharmacists united in action for a healthier world”. With a subtheme – “The Role of Pharmacists in Reducing Healthcare Costs”. This event was held at The Swiss Hotel conference hall with an estimated number of one hundred and fifty attendees. These two days event was chaired by Dr. Amara Bangali Sesay, who has a wealth of professional experience in both the Government and Non-Governmental realm of Pharmacy Practice. He is the current National Secretary General of Pharmaceutical Society of Sierra Leone.

The Event kickstarted with a welcome address from the President – Young Pharmacist’ Group Sierra Leone (YPG-SL), Pharm. Alhaji O. Turay.

The event attracted individuals from diverse backgrounds with a unified interest in the theme, Pharmacy, and the healthcare profession at large. We were honored to be graced with the presence of the Honorable Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs; Dr. Memunatu Pratt, as a special guest speaker.

The Honorable Minister shed light on the history of the Pharmacy profession in Sierra Leone. She applauds the achievements we have accumulated over the past two decades and admonishes us of the socio-cultural challenges tagged to the pharmacy line of work. She closes her submission by assuring everyone that her office will create a friendly space for collaboration.

The Deputy Registrar of the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Sesay serves as the keynote speaker on day 1 of the YPG-SL AGA, addressing the theme: The Role of Pharmacists in Reducing Healthcare Costs. Dr. Sesay delivered an amazing submission and assures the Young Pharmacist Group of a system that well regulates the profession and practice of pharmacy in Sierra Leone.

The world Pharmacists Day keynote speaker, Dr. Moses N. Batema gave his brilliant submission on the WPD theme: “Pharmacists united in action for a healthier world” on day 2 of the YPG-SL AGA. He ends his submission with the quote: “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.

Dr. Mohamed Bawoh, Acting Dean of Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences reassured the audience of the Doctor in Pharmacy(PharmD) programme to commence soon and encouraged fellow pharmacists to embrace the knowledge and skill sets it unravels.

On both the 23rd and 24th, Presentations and Plenary sessions were facilitated by colleagues both in and out of the country. Our first presentation was on “The role of Pharmacists in reducing healthcare cost” facilitated by Pharm Mukeh Fahnbulleh via a Zoom platform. Followed by our first plenary session on “The need for Pharmacy Collaboration in the recovery of Healthcare in Sierra Leone”. This session was moderated by Pharm. Esther Mary Massaquoi, and our panelists were; Dr. Sheku Mansaray, Dr. Shuwary Barlatt, Pharm. Jannet Buck, and Pharm. John Smith.

The event resumed with the Grand Induction of twenty-eight (28) internees from Sierra Leone, India, and Russia Pharmacy Schools into the Young Pharmacist Group. Another presentation on “ADR – Pharmacist role and how it reduces healthcare cost” was facilitated by Dr Fawzi Thomas.

Day Two Plenary session was moderated by Dr. Abdul Kabia on “Pharmacist role in reducing healthcare cost through supply chain management” and our panelists were; Dr. Jatu Abdulai, Pharm. Marie Kolipha-kamara, Dr. Mohamed I. Bangura, and Pharm. Samuel H. Serry. During this session, the need for collaboration and monitoring was emphasized and dire need for research was also posed in order to make informed decisions with accurate data.

A review of the YPG-SL constitution was initiated, and few clauses adopted to be enacted by the next General Assembly. This followed a report from the outgone executive, a manifesto and election of new executive members to steer the wheels of the organization for another mandate. The event Climaxed with a live band and Pharma Movie to end this year’s celebration of the World Pharmacist Day.