Pharma West Africa Leaders Club Meet-up & Dinner Highlights - September 3, 2024

The second Pharma West Africa Leaders Club Meet-up and Dinner, held on September 3rd, 2024, at the Radisson Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, was a resounding success, gathering key players in the pharmaceutical industry to address critical issues affecting Nigeria’s healthcare sector. The event fostered collaboration and dialogue among industry leaders, offering insights into the future of the sector.

Key Highlights of the Event:

1. Presentation by Njide Ndili, Country Director of PharmAccess: Njide Ndili, the Vice President of the Healthcare Foundation of Nigeria, delivered an insightful presentation that examined the recent federal government policies impacting the pharmaceutical industry. These initiatives aim to enhance the healthcare ecosystem in Nigeria, with a focus on:

- The Presidential Initiative for Unlocking Healthcare Value Chains

- The Redesign of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund

- The Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative

- The Executive Order on Healthcare Manufacturing

- The Establishment of the Health Sector Coordination Unit under the Ministry of Health

- The NSIA Health Expansion Program

- A Sector-Wide Approach to Transform Nigeria’s Healthcare Sector

- The Establishment of the National Health Facilities Regulatory Agency

Njide Ndili emphasised the need for stronger engagement between the private health sector and the federal government in developing and implementing these policies. She underscored the necessity of aligning these reforms to improve health outcomes for everyday Nigerians.

2. Welcome Remarks by Pharm Ahmed I Yakasai, Chairman of the Leaders Club: Pharm Ahmed I Yakasai, mni, Chairman of the Pharma West Africa Leaders Club, delivered a powerful keynote address. He highlighted the pharmaceutical industry’s critical juncture, facing challenges such as regulatory hurdles, supply chain disruptions, and the demand for innovation. He expressed optimism that, with collective efforts, these challenges can be overcome.

Pharm Ahmed Yakasai called on industry leaders to focus on fostering innovation, supporting local manufacturing, and ensuring equitable access to quality, affordable medicines. He urged stakeholders to invest in research, capacity building, and the development of future industry leaders, while keeping the human impact of their work at the forefront of decision-making.

3. Invitation to Pharma West Africa Conference and Exhibition 2025: In his closing remarks, Yakasai extended an invitation to the 2nd edition of the Pharma West Africa Conference and Exhibition, scheduled for March 18-20, 2025, at the Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event promises to be a landmark gathering for pharmaceutical professionals across West Africa.

The Pharma West Africa Leaders Club remains dedicated to driving positive change within the industry, fostering collaboration, and tackling the challenges facing Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector.

Conclusion: The Pharma West Africa Leaders Club Meet-up was a vital platform for discussing the future of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry. With the participation of influential voices, the event reaffirmed the commitment to transforming the sector for the benefit of millions of Nigerians. The Club’s ongoing efforts will continue to shape a more innovative, resilient, and inclusive pharmaceutical landscape.