Pharmacists' role in public health: a residency report

Background: The residency training programme of the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists is an opportunity for residents to acquire competencies in specialized disciplines to advance pharmacy practice.

Objective: To report competencies acquired in public health pharmacy from a residency training programme.

Methods: In each of the twelve units visited, information about the unit: its operations, activities, and challenges were learnt, with interventions made in some of the units. Opportunities were given for field visits in some units. Health education on vaccination schedules, precautions and possible side effects to watch out following vaccination of children and the actions to take were provided for mothers.

Results: Competencies acquired included the ability to carry out active case search upon the outbreak of a disease, pedagogy, communication skill, vaccine management, knowledge, project management, logistics and drug supply management, health policy implementation and conflict management.

Conclusion: The residency training in public health enabled competencies such as the ability to carry out operational research, risk assessment, forecasting, and data management to be acquired. This will expand and improve the pharmacist's role in providing quality health care service and delivery.