The African Society of Clinical Pharmacists (ASOCLIP) has introduced a continental public lecture and a new Continental Research Committee aimed at enhancing patient-centred care across Africa. This initiative seeks to generate Africa-specific evidence, improve clinical practice, and strengthen patient outcomes. The announcement was made during the inauguration of ASOCLIP's maiden Continental Public Lecture, a hybrid meeting that brought together experts from various fields.
During the public lecture, titled "Empowering Pharmacists: Linking Practice to Research," Professor Noel Wannang emphasized that research should be a professional responsibility, not just an academic requirement. He stressed that the value of knowledge lies in its application to solve problems confronting patients and healthcare systems. Wannang urged clinical pharmacists to move beyond academic promotion and focus on practical solutions that improve patient outcomes.
ASOCLIP has established its Continental Research Committee to provide a platform for clinical pharmacists to collaborate on patient-centred research. The committee aims to inform clinical decisions, influence policy, and improve medicine use. The President of ASOCLIP, Dr. Joseph Madu, stated that this initiative marks a new chapter for clinical pharmacy in Africa, with a focus on connecting professionals, strengthening collaboration, and building a stronger evidence base for patient-centred care.
Dr. Madu emphasized that clinical pharmacists must assume a broader role beyond traditional medicine dispensing due to the rapidly changing healthcare environment. He cited complex patients, sophisticated medicines, antimicrobial resistance, and rising non-communicable diseases as challenges that require clinical pharmacists to contribute to clinical decision-making, evidence generation, and rational medicine use.
The ASOCLIP president highlighted the organization's priorities, including facilitating knowledge exchange, encouraging research, and promoting collaboration. He stressed that Africa must generate its own evidence, rather than relying on research from other regions. The Continental Research Committee will enable clinical pharmacists from different African countries to work together on research addressing real challenges in healthcare settings.
The inauguration event brought together prominent pharmacy and healthcare professionals from Nigeria and other parts of Africa. The event was chaired by Professor Dr. Hasipha Tarpeh, President of the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists, and featured a goodwill message from Dr. Teresa Isichei Pounds, President of the West African Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (WASPEN).
The launch of the Continental Research Committee is a significant step towards strengthening patient-centred care in Africa. ASOCLIP's initiative aims to ensure that research findings translate into improved clinical practice and better outcomes for patients. The organization challenges clinical pharmacists to become more inquisitive, identify clinical questions, and convert challenges into researchable problems.
Key points
- ASOCLIP establishes a Continental Research Committee to enhance patient-centred care in Africa.
- The committee aims to generate Africa-specific evidence and improve clinical practice.
- Clinical pharmacists are urged to move beyond academic promotion and focus on practical solutions that improve patient outcomes.
