News & Events
“NAFTraPh Recognizes Contributions to Nigerian Pharmaceutical Industry at International Conference”
- October 16, 2023
- Posted by: Admin
- Category: Diaspora National Health Daily News update


The Nigeria Association of Foreign Trained Pharmacists (NAFTraPh) has honoured notable figures for their contributions to the advancement of the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry during its 5th annual international conference. The event, held at the Sheraton Hotel in Lagos from October 12 to 14, 2023, focused on the theme “Social Determinants of Health and Population Health Outcome in a Developing Economy: Nigeria’s Perspective.” Dr. Terrance Baker, a John Hopkins Physician, served as the keynote speaker.
Three individuals received Awards of Excellence for their meritorious contributions to the pharmaceutical field. The recipients include Pharm.(Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi, the Publisher of Pharmanews, Professor Lere Baale, the Chief Executive Officer of the Business School Netherlands International, Nigeria, and Pharm. Azuka Okeke, CEO of the Africa Resource Centre for Excellence in Supply Chain.
In his address at the event, Pharm. Ahmed Babashehu, representing the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, pledged the council’s commitment to creating a conducive regulatory environment for ethical pharmaceutical practice in the country.
Dr. Abike Dabiri, the Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission, who was represented by Mr. Dipo Odebowale, commended NAFTraPh for its innovative efforts over the years. She pledged continued partnership between the commission and organisations like NAFTraPh to enhance Nigeria’s global standing.
Dr. Terrance Baker, in his keynote speech, emphasised the role of social determinants of health. These include the conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age, and how they impact health, functioning, and quality of life. He called on the Nigerian government to take measures that promote the development of the country and focus on improving health outcomes for all citizens.
Dr. Baker recommended the entrenchment of the rule of law, state-sponsored employment opportunities, state-sponsored wellness programs such as national health insurance for all Nigerians, and the development of a better energy initiative to reduce the cost of electricity. He also highlighted the importance of farming to ensure adequate food availability and quality nutrition as a major determinant of health.
During discussions on one of the conference’s sub-themes, “Nutrition, Fetal Origin of Diseases, and Population Outcomes,” Mrs. Sherese Ijewere, the Founder/CEO of Carib Health Limited and a clinical nutrition consultant, stressed the significance of the first nine months of existence during pregnancy. She explained that undernutrition during the middle to late stages of pregnancy could lead to improper fetal growth, predisposing individuals to certain diseases in adulthood.
Mrs. Ijewere called for a focus on consuming a balanced and adequate diet before and during pregnancy. She emphasised the impact of diet on gene expression, which can significantly influence the health outcomes of future generations.