“The programme was organized to sensitize stakeholders on pharmacovigilance activities, with the ultimate goal of disseminating this critical information to the broader society”
By John Odunayo
Residents of Ekiti state have been advised to always ensure the safe and effective use of medicines to promote public health and safety.
The Ekiti State Coordinator of National Agency for Food and Drug administration and Control, (NAFDAC), Mrs Stella Dosunmu, gave the advice in Ado Ekiti during a grassroots community sensitization on pharmacovigilance activities.
The programme was organized by NAFDAC in partnership with the Immunization plus and Malaria Transforming services (IMPACT) Project, Ekiti State.
Pharmacovigilance has been described as “the science of monitoring drug safety, especially reactions that may not have been picked up during global clinical trials, many of which were not conducted among African populations. Patient safety is central”.
Dosunmu emphasized key steps to ensure safe medication use to include “carefully following prescription instructions, recognizing potential side effects, and promptly report adverse reactions to healthcare professionals or regulatory authorities, such as NAFDAC”.
She explained that the programme was organized to sensitize stakeholders on pharmacovigilance activities, with the ultimate goal of disseminating this critical information to the broader society.
In her keynote address, the Permanent Secretary of Ekiti State Ministry of Health and Human Services, Mrs Olusola Gbenga-Igotun, represented by the State Director of Public Health Dr Ibrahim Abayomi, said that the programme was timely and appropriate, urging the public to be vigilant and cautious when taking medications.
The Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Ekiti State Ministry of Health and Human Services, Pharmacist Bunmi Ejimokun emphasized the importance of documenting adverse drug reactions for notification to NAFDAC.
He noted that the Ekiti State Government has established a Pharmacovigilance Unit at the State Ministry of Health to oversee this process, ensuring timely reporting and enhancing patient safety.
The Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, represented by one of his chiefs, Chief Tajudeen Adejuwon, praised the agency’s efforts to promote public health and safety.
Oba Adejuwon, urged NAFDAC to be more stringent in regulating unauthorized drug manufacturers and marketers.
On their part, the Ekiti State Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs Kemi Akomolede; the Project Manager, IMPACT Project Ekiti, Dr Folu Ekundare; and the State Health Educator, SPHCDA, Dr Jumoke Oguntoye cautioned residents against the dangers of self-medication, highlighting its potential harmful consequences.
They lauded the organisers of the event , noting that the initiative would provide vital information, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
