Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, celebrated World Pharmacists Day 2026 on September 25, 2026, with a blood donation drive and a panel discussion on the future of the pharmacist profession. The event, held at the UFR des Sciences pharmaceutiques et biologiques d'Abidjan, was organized by the Ordre national des pharmaciens de Côte d'Ivoire. The celebration coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Centre national de transfusion sanguine de Côte d'Ivoire (CNTS-CI).
The event aimed to raise awareness about the role of pharmacists in the healthcare system and to guide students towards future career paths. Dr. Raymond Bleu-Lainé, director of Socapharm and member of the organizing committee, explained that the initiative seeks to prepare students for changes in the sector, including the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in professional practices. A panel discussion was organized with prominent pharmacists to enlighten students on the future of pharmacy and the different professional profiles to develop in line with the country's needs.
The blood donation campaign, which aimed to collect at least 500 units of blood, was conducted in several pharmaceutical sector structures across the country, including the UFR des Sciences pharmaceutiques et biologiques d'Abidjan, UBIPHARM CI, COPHARMED, DPCI, TEDIS PHARMA CI, OLEA, and NPSP. Seven collections were organized in Abidjan, with the goal of supporting the CNTS-CI's efforts to ensure a stable blood supply.
Dr. Kacou Thierry Olivier, representing the director general of CNTS-CI, Pr Yassongui Mamadou Sékongo, praised the mobilization of students and pharmacy professionals around the blood donation cause. He highlighted the symbolic nature of the celebration, which coincides with the 75th anniversary of CNTS-CI, and noted the partnership between the pharmacy profession and CNTS-CI in promoting public health and national solidarity.
The World Pharmacists Day 2026 celebration also provided an opportunity to highlight the various career paths available in the pharmaceutical sector, including officine, pharmaceutical industry, wholesaling, administration, regulation, research, teaching, and public health. A panel discussion brought together professionals from different sectors, including Pr Ouattara Mahama, Dr. N'Douffou Joël, and Dr. Diallo Sékou.
The event demonstrated the commitment of the pharmacy profession to promoting public health and solidarity in Côte d'Ivoire. Dr. Raymond Bleu-Lainé emphasized the importance of AI as a tool to facilitate pharmacists' work, improve patient care, and save time. The celebration also underscored the role of pharmacists in ensuring the quality and safety of healthcare services.
The World Pharmacists Day 2026 celebration in Côte d'Ivoire concluded with a renewed commitment to promoting the pharmacy profession and improving public health. The event highlighted the importance of collaboration between healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the pharmaceutical industry to address the country's healthcare needs.
Key points
- The celebration aimed to raise awareness about the role of pharmacists in the healthcare system and to guide students towards future career paths.
- The blood donation campaign aimed to collect at least 500 units of blood to support the CNTS-CI's efforts.
- The event highlighted the various career paths available in the pharmaceutical sector, including officine, pharmaceutical industry, wholesaling, administration, regulation, research, teaching, and public health.
