Advocacy Leader in Pharmacy Remi Adeseun: ‘My journey into pharmacy began with my passion for science and healthcare.’

SnapshotEducation:Lagos Business School, Advanced Management Program (AMP), 2002University of Lagos, Bachelor of Pharmacy, 1987Role/Title:Global Director, Salient AdvisoryDescribe your journey into the field of pharmacy and what inspired you to take on a leadership role in advocacy.My journey into pharmacy began with my passion for science and healthcare (my mother was a nurse), which was solidified during my time at the University of Lagos where I earned my Bachelor of Pharmacy degree. Over the past three decades, my career has spanned various sectors including community, hospital, and industrial pharmacy, as well as global health. This diverse experience has provided me with a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the field. The turning point towards advocacy came during my tenure as Program Director, Strategy, with the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria-Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health (PSN-PACFaH), where I led national policy changes to improve treatment protocols for childhood killer diseases, pneumonia, and diarrhea. I have also been involved in the forming of major professional bodies involved in advocacy, including:-NIROPHARM (Association of Nigerian Representatives of Overseas Pharmaceutical Manufacturers) where I was the founding President and currently a Trustee.-Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, where I am a founding Fellow of the Academy.-Society for Family Health (Nigeria’s largest Health-focused NGO) where I am a Trustee; Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Foundation, where I am a founding Trustee.-Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, where I was a founding member of the Executive Committee. In these various roles, I have been involved in advocacy to drive policy improvements and resource allocation for better health systems, while championing the role of pharmacists for better healthcare outcomes in Nigeria.What are some of the most significant challenges you have faced in your advocacy efforts, and how have you overcome them?One of the most significant challenges in my advocacy work has been navigating the complex landscape of policy change amidst varying stakeholder interests. Achieving consensus among government bodies, international organizations, and local communities requires persistent effort and strategic communication. For instance, leading the advocacy for the adoption of amoxicillin as the first-line treatment for childhood pneumonia in Nigeria involved extensive stakeholder engagement and evidence-based advocacy. Overcoming these challenges required building strong coalitions, leveraging data to support our arguments, and maintaining a patient yet determined approach to see the policy through to implementation.Can you share a success story where your advocacy efforts led to a tangible improvement in pharmacy practice?A notable success was during my time at the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria-Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health (PSN-PACFaH). We successfully advocated for the national policy change to adopt amoxicillin as the first-line treatment for childhood pneumonia. This policy shift resulted in widespread adoption across all levels of healthcare in Nigeria, significantly improving treatment outcomes for children suffering from pneumonia. Additionally, our budget advocacy efforts led to a substantial increase in government funding for health, which facilitated better resource allocation and capacity building within the healthcare system. The success of PSN-PACFaH under my leadership as project director has led to the expansion of the role of pharmacists in Nigeria to include delivery of long-acting family planning methods, and other primary healthcare roles.What advice would you give to young pharmacy professionals who are passionate about advocacy and want to make a difference in the field?For young pharmacy professionals aspiring to make an impact through advocacy, my advice is to start by deeply understanding the issues and challenges within your field. Engage with professional associations, attend relevant conferences, and build a network of like-minded peers and mentors. Develop strong communication and negotiation skills, as these are crucial in advocacy work. Importantly, remain patient and resilient, as policy change often takes time and persistence. Lastly, leverage data and evidence to support your advocacy efforts, as well-substantiated arguments are more likely to resonate with policymakers and stakeholders.What personal qualities or experiences do you believe have been most instrumental in your success as an advocacy leader?The qualities that have been instrumental in my advocacy success include resilience, strategic thinking, and a collaborative spirit. My diverse professional background, from working in community and hospital pharmacy to leading international public health projects, has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare ecosystem. This breadth of experience enables me to approach problems from multiple angles and devise holistic solutions. Additionally, my ability to build and lead cohesive teams has been critical in driving collective efforts towards achieving our advocacy goals.Sherif Guorgui - FIP-Community Pharmacy Section | LinkedIn

Advocacy Leader in Pharmacy Remi Adeseun: ‘My journey into pharmacy began with my passion for science and healthcare.’

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