As part of activities to commence the Gateway 2021 ACPN National Conference, which is also meant to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the association, members of the association, including the National Chairman, Dr Samuel Adekola and National Executive Council, took to the streets of Abeokuta to walk against COVID-19.
The ACPN Walk against COVID-19 started at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, and cut across major streets around the area, while it terminated at the Pharmacy House, Moshood Abiola way, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Addressing members after the exercise, Adekola urged them to take responsibility in ensuring that they play active roles in preventing further spike in COVID-19, as it has been observed in many countries, especially in foreign countries.
“We must fight the spread of the disease by adhering more strictly than ever, to the various social guidelines which have been announced, published and publicised,” he advised.
Speaking on the 10 myth busters on COVID-19 Vaccine, the national chairman noted that COVID- 19 vaccine is not a chip, as it has nothing to do with 666 or antichrist, while adding that it does not cause blood to clot or dry up.
“COVID-19 vaccine does not affect reproduction system; it is free of charge as funded by the Federal Government, while those who have received the vaccine need to continue with COVID-19 protocols such as wearing of face mask in public places, frequent hand washing and others”, he averred.
He added that community pharmacists, as key players in the healthcare team owe it as a responsibility to sensitise the public on major health challenges, adding that the ‘Walk’ was in fulfillment of that responsibility.
While speaking, the Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC), Pharm. Adewale Adenugba, emphasised the roles of pharmacists in the management of diseases, stating that they are the primary custodians of medicines, and as such, they have the responsibility to create awareness and sensitise people in the society.
Adenugba further expressed the delight of the members of ACPN in the state to host others in the city for the period of the conference, hoping they will enjoy the loving ambience of the state.
The conference is holding from 28 August to 4 September at the Conference Hotel, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, Ogun State, with theme “Abuja Declaration: Equipping Community Pharmacists For Universal Health Coverage”. The Chairman of the opening ceremony is Dr (Mrs) Dere Awosika, chairman, Access Bank Plc.
