Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Association

26/09/2026

Video Highlights of the World Pharmacists' Day 2026 Celebration and the Policy Dialogue on the State of Community Pharmacies in Ethiopia Held on 25 September 2026 at Azzeman Hotel in Addis Ababa.

26/09/2026

Bideo Highlights of the World Pharmacists' Day 2026 Celebration and the Policy Dialogue on the State of Community Pharmacies in Ethiopia Held on 25 September 2026 at Azzeman Hotel in Addis Ababa.

26/09/2026

The Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Association (EPA) wishes all its Christan members a blessed and peaceful Meskel (Finding of the True Cross) Holiday!

26/09/2026

26/09/2026

Four presentations were delivered during the policy dialogue. These included “Standard Setting in the Healthcare: A Public Health Imperative” by Mr. Yilma Mengistu, Lead Executive/Director of Standards Development at the Institute of Ethiopian Standards; “Overview of Global Community Pharmacy Regulation: Lessons to Learn” by Mr. Getahun Tefera, “Overview of the National Community Pharmacy Standard” by Mrs. Asnakech Alemu from the EFDA; and “Findings from the Situational Analysis of Pharmacy Service in Ethiopia: Focus on Community Pharmacy Services” by Mr. Atalay Mulu from EPA.

Each presentation provided insights and key perspectives on standards and regulatory approaches for community pharmacy services, with contributions from relevant national stakeholders and institutions. The presentations collectively highlighted both global lessons and Ethiopia’s national context, drawing attention to current practices and areas requiring improvement.
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Following the presentations, a moderated discussion was facilitated by Mr. Workineh Getahun. The session allowed participants to engage with the speakers’ key points, ask questions, and further explore policy implications arising from the dialogue.

26/09/2026

The Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Association (EPA), in collaboration with the Ethiopian Community Pharmacies Association, organized a policy dialogue as an extension of the World Pharmacists’ Day celebrations. The event was held from just after lunch time until 07:00PM in the evening and focused on the theme: “Bridging the Distance to Health: Making Pharmacy More Accessible, Safe and Sustainable.”

The dialogue brought together key stakeholders as presenters, including the Institute of Ethiopian Standards, the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA), and the Addis Ababa City Administration Food and Drug Authority. Community pharmacies in Addis Ababa participated in the discussion as participants.

The policy dialogue participants were welcomed by Dr. Daniel Waktole, President of the EPA, and were officially opened by Mr. Negash Sime, Deputy Director General of the EFDA. The event proceeded with strong engagement and enthusiasm, continuing until 7:00 PM in the evening.

A position statement will be extracted from the policy dialogue and shared with all relevant stakeholders to support and introduce an appropriate policy change, if necessary, in the best interests of the public to improve access to safe, high-quality, and effective medicines in the country.

26/09/2026

The World Pharmacists’ Day celebration morning session entertained four presentations emanating from the main theme “Empowering Pharmacists for Healthier Futures” by four qualified and experienced experts ([pharmacists).
1. Patient-Centered Care and Medication Optimization by Dr. Minyahil Alebachew Woldu Assistant Professor at the School of Pharmacy, Addis Ababa University.
2. Pharmacists-Lead Preventive Services and Health Screening by Dr. Alemayehu Danadana CEO at Pharmacy Mall under SPHMMC–Millennium Healthcare Enterprise with EPSS
3. Advanced Clinical Training and Professional Scope Expansion by Dr. Seyoum Gizachew Assistant Professor of Pharmacology Minch University
4. Collaboration across health care teams for better outcomes with Mr. Mengistab Woldaregay Health Monitoring & Evaluation specialist.

26/09/2026

A keynote speech by Prof. Tsige Gebremariam, Executive Director of the Zewdu Getachew Foundation, on the occasion of World Pharmacists’ Day 2026. The Foundation spearheads initiatives aimed at preventing breast cancer. Prof. Tsige’s keynote strongly aligns with at least two of EPA’s new pharmacy initiatives: “Empowering Women in Pharmacy” and “Integrating Pharmacists into Primary Health Care.”

26/09/2026

Opening Message from the Ministry of Health by Mr. Bekele Ashagrie on behalf of the H.E. Mrs. Frehiwot Abebe, State Minister,FDRE Ministry of Health on the occasion of the World Pharmacists Day 2026 as reported by ENA

"The Ministry of Health has announced that Ethiopia’s health sector has made substantial progress over the past five years, highlighted by a notable decline in maternal and child mortality rates.

The achievements were shared as Ethiopia commemorated World Pharmacists’ Day 2026 under the theme “Empowering Pharmacists for Healthier Futures.”

The event brought together pharmacists, healthcare professionals, and key stakeholders to honor the pharmacy profession and discuss strategies to strengthen the national health system.

Speaking on behalf of the State Minister of Health, Frehiwot Abebe, Senior Technical Advisor Bekele Ashagrie pointed to major improvements in health indicators, attributing part of this success to the vital work of pharmacists.

“Pharmacy professionals remain a crucial component of the health system,” Bekele said, underscoring their essential role in expanding access to medicines and improving healthcare delivery across the country.

Bekele also highlighted ongoing initiatives focused on innovation, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and emergency response"

https://www.ena.et/web/eng/w/eng_9614513

25/09/2026

The Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Association (EPA), in collaboration with the African Pharmaceutical Forum (APF), today colorfully celebrated World Pharmacists’ Day 2026 under the theme “Empowering Pharmacists for Health Futures.” The event was held face to face at Azzeman Hotel in Addis Ababa, with over 120 participants, and was also live-streamed to engage members who were far away.

The program was moderated by the Master of Ceremony, Ms, Elham Reshid, Secretary of the EPA General Assembly. Participants were welcomed by Dr. Dabiel Waktole, President of the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Association, followed by keynote speeches from Mr. Henok Teka (Droga Pharma) who was sponsor of the event, Ms. Jocelyn Chaiivia (President of the African Pharmaceutical Forum), and Prof. Tsige Gebremariam (Executive Director, Zewditu Getachew Foundation) on the EMBRACE project. The event was officially opened by Mr. Bekele Ashagrie, Advisor to H.E. Mrs. Frehowt Abebe, State Minister of the FDRE Ministry of Health.

After the opening ceremony, four presentations were delivered in line with the main theme by Dr. Minyahil Alebachew, Dr. Alemayehu Dandana, Dr. Seyoum Gizachew, and Mr. Mengsteab Weldearegay.