Lesotho marked International Pharmacy Week (20th – 25th Oct) to celebrate the invaluable contributions of pharmacists to health. The campaign, themed “Think Health, Think Pharmacist,” aims to raise awareness about the indispensable role pharmacists play in strengthening health systems, ensuring safe medication use, and promoting the well-being of all. Pharmacy Association of Lesotho executivemember, Mafaso Mothibeli, told theReporter’sNeo Kolane in an interview that in Lesotho, pharmacy professionals serve far beyond the traditional role of dispensing medicine.
What is the role of pharmacists?
They are trusted health advisors who work toensure that patients understand their treatments, managing medication safety, and supporting disease prevention efforts. Whether stationed in community clinics or tertiary hospitals, pharmacists are on the frontline of healthcare delivery bridging the gap between patients, doctors, and policy. Their expertise ensures that every prescription, vaccine, and health product contributes effectively and safely to the nation’s overall health goals.
What does International Pharmacy Week mean for pharmacists in Lesotho?
Pharmacy Week is celebrated globally to celebrate and recognise the powerful impact of pharmacy personnel on the community. During that week, we also raise awareness by going to communities and teaching them about what pharmacy is and what pharmacy personnel do.
How did Lesotho mark Pharmacy Week?
This year, the week was celebrated starting from Monday to Friday, 20-25 October. On the first day, Monday, we carried out awareness campaigns at our different facilities as pharmacy personnel.
On Tuesday, we did health education sessions at these facilities. On Wednesday, we did outreachprogrammes, and the following day (Thur) we went to schools close to these centres.
A forum was held at the Ministry of Health on Friday, where various health related topics were presented. On Saturday, we went to National University of Lesotho for sports.
What does this year’s theme, “Think Health, Think Pharmacist” mean?
The theme for this year shows that we play a big role in ensuring good health for our patients and communities. It captures the essence of the pharmacy profession and its contribution to the nation’s health.
This theme reminds the community that pharmacists are key players in maintaining good health. It underscores that whenever we think about health and wellness, we should also think about pharmacists, because they are part of every step of the healthcare journey.
Are pharmacists recognised and celebrated in Lesotho?
While pharmacists in Lesotho have not always been fully recognised for their contributions, the situation is gradually improving. Pharmacy is gaining recognition both in the community and from the central government, especially the Ministry of Health.
What challenges do pharmacists encounter inthis country and how do they usually overcome them?
Despite the progress, pharmacists in Lesotho still face several challenges, chief among them lack of understanding about what their role actually entails. Many people think we are just shopkeepers who sell medicine. But our job is not to sell drugs;it is to control and manage them. We make sure that medicines are issued correctly, following prescriptions, and that their distribution is done through proper channels.
Even for over-the-counter medicines, which can be found in supermarkets, pharmacists ensure that the process remains safe and regulated.
Pharmacy personnel also oversee the storage and quality control of medicines, ensuring they are kept under the right conditions to maintain their effectiveness. We are the custodians of pharmaceuticals. Our work is to make sure that every medicine reaching patient is safe and effective.
How has your role evolved in recent years to better support patients’ health?
Over the years, the role of pharmacists in Lesotho has evolved significantly. In the past, there was resistance about who should handle pharmaceuticals. Other professionals, including doctors, used to think they could manage medicines and medical supplies without involving pharmacists. But now, that perception has changed. People understand that pharmacy personnel are the rightful custodians of all pharmaceuticals, and there is more collaboration in the healthcare system. This growing recognition has strengthened the profession and improved healthcare outcomes nationwide.
How do pharmacists in Lesotho contribute to improving healthcare access in both urban and rural areas?
Pharmacists in Lesotho also play a major role in expanding healthcare access. There is good coverage of pharmaceutical services throughout the country. Community pharmacies known locally as chemists are spread across both urban centresand rural villages. This ensures that patients everywhere have access to essential medicines and professional advice.
As healthcare systems evolve, pharmacists continue to serve as a critical bridge between medical science and the public. Their expertise ensures that medicines are used properly, safely, and effectively saving lives and improving health outcomes every day.
