Community Pharmacists Push for Ebola Detection Protocol

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has urged the Federal Government to adopt a nationwide 'Pharmacy First' protocol to facilitate early detection of suspected Ebola cases and strengthen disease surveillance across Nigeria's 774 local government areas. In a position statement signed by National Chairman Ezeh Ambrose, ACPN emphasized the importance of integrating community pharmacists into the national disease surveillance system to improve early detection of infectious diseases, enable timely referrals, and alleviate pressure on secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities.

The proposed initiative would empower community pharmacists to recognize symptoms of infectious diseases, provide health education, conduct basic screenings, and refer suspected cases to designated health facilities. ACPN identified gaps in policy leadership, digital integration, and collaboration among healthcare professionals as challenges to effective epidemic preparedness and response.

The association also called for community pharmacists to enhance operational standards and modernize practices to meet expanded public health responsibilities.