The 23rd International Pharmaceutical Forum was held in Lomé, Togo, from July 3 to 6, 2024, under the theme “Universal Access to Care: Challenges, Issues and Prospects for the Pharmaceutical Sector”. This crucial theme highlights the persistent challenges and opportunities in the pharmaceutical sector, aimed at ensuring that every individual has access to quality healthcare.
The participation of Sanofi Global Health Unit (GHU) in partnership with ARC in this event illustrates a shared commitment to overcome these challenges and promote innovative solutions for strengthening the public health supply chain and universal access to healthcare and medicines in Africa.
The Forum brought together key players in the pharmaceutical sector (orders; unions; regulatory agencies; central medical stores), political decision-makers, health professionals, and representatives of international organizations from several African and European countries to discuss and share perspectives on improving access to healthcare. Sanofi Global Health Unit (GHU) was represented by its Access Manager SSA and ARC by its Country Leads from Togo and Cote d’Ivoire.
There were almost 1000 participants from various countries, most of whom were French-speaking in sub-Saharan Africa.
Presentation of ARC during the forum
During the various panels, several sub-themes were addressed. In response to a request from the FPI Organizing Committee, ARC made a presentation highlighting its expertise in building and strengthening the public health supply chain in the countries where it operates.
The concrete case of Burkina Faso was mentioned. This presentation illustrated how ARC supported the Government of Burkina Faso in the feasibility study on the use of drones for the distribution of health products in conflict zones, leveraging on various interventions: the operation of secure convoys, the use of flights secure and the use of private providers; thus demonstrating its commitment to innovative and effective solutions to improve access to care.
Co-hosting the Sanofi GHU and ARC stand
On the sidelines of the forum, Sanofi GHU and ARC co-hosted a stand, attracting the attention of many visitors thanks to the collaboration of three pharmacy students from the University of Lomé.
The stand aroused great interest, particularly with the visit of the Prime Minister of Togo after the official opening ceremony of the forum. Subsequently, we were visited by the health authorities of Togo in particular, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Health, the Director of the DPML (Directorate of Pharmacy, Medicines and Laboratories), and the Director General of CAMEG-Togo.
Assessment of Participation and Outlook
The participation of ARC and Sanofi GHU in the 23rd International Pharmaceutical Forum was a success.
The effective collaboration and active engagement of the two entities was crowned with success, demonstrated by the awarding of one of the best partners of the forum to Sanofi GHU by the organizing committee. This recognition demonstrates the significant contribution of Sanofi GHU to the success of the event.
ARC and Sanofi GHU have not only increased their visibility but also established important connections with other players in the pharmaceutical sector.
We would like to express our gratitude to Sanofi GHU and The Togolese Pharmacists Order. This successful partnership paves the way for future collaborations aimed at overcoming the challenges of universal access to healthcare and strengthening the supply chain through greater cooperation between the public and private sectors. In particular, our gratitude goes to the Sanofi Global Health Unit team, for their exemplary cooperation and availability throughout the Forum. Our thanks and congratulations also go to Dr OGA Eulalie, ARC representative in Cote d’Ivoire who made a brilliant presentation of ARC’s actions during this Forum.
In conclusion, the participation of ARC and Sanofi GHU in the 23rd International Pharmaceutical Forum was marked by a strong commitment to improving access to healthcare. The enriching discussions, strategic collaborations, and exchanges of experiences helped to outline promising prospects for the pharmaceutical sector. This experience highlights the importance of international cooperation and innovation to address global health challenges. ARC and Sanofi GHU will continue to work together to promote sustainable and effective solutions to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all.
Lomé on July 10, 2024
Dr. SEMA Madibawélé, representative of ARC in Togo
