Informed Choices: The Key to Safer Medicine

The Eritrean Pharmaceutical Association (ERIPA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, is organizing a nationwide Medicines Safety Week Campaign from 4th to 11th November under the theme “Informed choices: the key to safer medicine.” Following is an interview with Mr. Amanuel Aron, a board member of ERIPA and Chairman of the Medicines Safety Week Campaign, concerning the campaign.

 Tell us a little bit about the Eritrean Pharmaceutical Association.

The Eritrean Pharmaceutical Association was established in August 1992 and now has nearly 400 members. The association primarily aims to develop pharmaceutical practices, standardize the field, safeguard the interest of the professionals and the profession, provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and information among members, and provide current and up-to-date drug information to all concerned to promote and encourage rational drug use to the general public; cooperate with other medical and paramedical professionals and professional associations in upgrading the standards of healthcare services; assist the Ministry of Health, schools of higher learning, the courts of justice, and other relevant bodies with an expert opinion about drugs and their socio-economic impact; establish and solidify ties with local and international associations that pursue similar goals; encourage research; help develop traditional medicine and its possible integration with modern medicine; develop strategic policies about the profession.

What are the main objectives of the campaign?

The Pharmaceutical Association is teaming up with the Ministry of Health to realize the campaign’s objectives. The campaign is entirely promotional, and we aim to inform the public to embrace the rational use of medicines and have a better understanding of the application of medication. Rational utilization of medicine focuses on all-rounded awareness of treatments and their effectiveness, and the safety of medications.

How significant is the campaign?

The Ministry of Health and the Eritrean Pharmaceutical Association have been conducting promotional healthcare campaigns aimed at raising public awareness. Organizing similar campaigns contributes to the development of the field as well. It enables practitioners to monitor, examine, and evaluate current trends and provide a reference for further actions. In general, it is significant both for the professionals and the community at large.

What activities are going to be carried out during the course of the campaign?

As I pointed out earlier, the campaign aims to promote safer and more effective use of medicine by members of the public. We have various activities that we believe will reach a wider audience. We have sent materials in the form of posters to health centers across the nation; we have organized professionals to be interviewed in the mainstream media that will be broadcast in multiple languages; and we will share the messages on selected social media platforms.

What are the key messages of the campaign?

The key messages are for users to have an explicit knowledge of medicines, to understand the purpose, dosage, and potential side effects of medications, and to follow physicians’ instructions carefully. Avoiding self-medication is crucial, too. For proper diagnosis and treatment, people ought to consult a healthcare professional. Self-medication can lead to incorrect dosages, adverse reactions, and delayed treatment of severe conditions. Medicines must be stored safely in accordance with the instructions on the label; keeping them out of reach of children and pets and making sure they are stored in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight positively impacts their effectiveness. Flushing unused or expired medicines down the toilet should be avoided. Users must adhere to local guidelines such as ‘medication take-back programs for safer disposal.’ If users experience unexpected or severe side effects (Adverse Drug Reactions), they should report their case to a healthcare center and relevant regulatory authority. The public should use cosmetics wisely and avoid excessive skin-lightening agents as they can have harmful side effects. Consult a dermatologist for advice on safe and effective skin care practices. Overall, the message is designed to be clear, concise, and relevant to the general audience in Eritrea.

What is your opinion about the level of public awareness about the rational use of medicine?

To my knowledge, there is little or no research and documentation on the rational use of medicine. I would say the level of understanding about medication is at a much better state now. However, there is always a need to have periodic campaigns to ensure the level of awareness remains raised.

What should be the role of the stakeholders?

A nationwide campaign is not an easy task. We believe that the task should not be solely assigned to the association. We have secured the necessary support from the Ministry of Health. The campaign should not be a one-week event; thus, we need to sustain similar initiatives, and we will keep working on that. The Ministry of Information is also joining hands; it is mobilizing workforce and resources to make sure the message reaches a broader audience. In a nutshell, we urge all actors to diligently take their part in actualizing a shared outcome.

Any other thoughts?

The campaign is a joint venture, so it requires a collaborative effort. Stakeholders and the public must feel a sense of ownership and fully engage. Eventually, step-by-step campaign monitoring and evaluation are necessary for forthcoming initiatives. As a final note I would like to restate the theme: Informed choices are the cornerstone of safe medicine use. We need to promote rational medicine use for the wellbeing of society and a brighter future.

Thank you for your time.