It is heartbreaking to see people suffering from preventable medication errors

In the bustling markets of Kaduna State, where traders, artisans, and shoppers mingle daily, a quiet revolution is underway–one that promises to transform how Nigerians understand and use medicine.

The Pharmafluence Education Advancement Network (PEAN) is leading this charge, bringing vital education about safe medicine directly to the people, right where they live, work and shop.

Recently, at Ungwan Rimi Market, PEAN hosted a community outreach event, the latest in a series of grassroots efforts aimed at tackling one of the most overlooked public health challenges: unsafe medicine use.

The initiative, spearheaded by Kenneth David and supported by the British Pharmacological Society, is more than a campaign; it is a lifeline for ordinary people navigating a complex healthcare landscape.

Amina, a market trader and mother of three, recounts her experience.

“I remember attending one of PEAN’s seminars at Narayi High School in Kaduna.

“Before that, I did not know that taking the wrong medicine or storing it improperly could be dangerous; I thought medicine was just medicine,” she said.

Amina’s experience is a testament to the power of education.

More than 350 participants gathered at that seminar, learning in simple, relatable language the five key principles of medication safety: the right person, right medicine, right condition, right time, right route, and right duration.

These are just technical terms; they are life-saving guidelines.

Mr Kenneth David, the Founder of PEAN, offered some explanations.

“We broke down complex hospital jargon into principles everyone could understand.

“We emphasised practical tips like storing medicines away from sunlight and moisture, keeping them out of children’s reach, and avoiding expired products.

“Many attendees were surprised to learn that poor storage conditions could render medicines ineffective, or worse, harmful, even before the printed expiry date.

“This revelation underscored the critical need for such outreach programmes.”

David believes that knowledge empowers individuals to become ambassadors of medication safety within their communities.

“It is about creating a ripple effect; when one person understands the importance of safe medicine use, they pass that knowledge to their family and neighbours.”

The stakes are high; across Nigeria, many people unknowingly purchase medicines from unqualified vendors or use drugs without proper guidance, risking adverse side effects and treatment failures.

This is particularly troubling in busy markets, where the hustle and bustle can overshadow the need for caution.

PEAN’s upcoming outreach aims to reach market women like Amina, youths, commercial motorcyclists, food vendors, and shoppers, those who often lack access to formal healthcare information but are most vulnerable to unsafe practices.

“It is heartbreaking to see people suffering from preventable medication errors.

“Our goal is to reduce these risks by equipping the community with the right knowledge to make safe, informed health decisions,” David laments.

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For many Nigerians, these interventions are not just educational; they are transformational, potentially saving lives and improving health outcomes in communities where access to professional healthcare is limited.

While PEAN works to improve medicine use on the ground, at a national level, the Nigerian government is strategising on a different but complementary front: local pharmaceutical manufacturing.

The Federal Government sees this as the surest path to medicines security, and it recently took a major step by convening the National Harmonisation Conference 2025 in Abuja.

Mrs Olubunmi Aribiena, Director of Food and Drug Services at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, outlined the government’s vision.

“Local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and medical devices presents opportunities beyond healthcare; it means job creation, economic growth, and national security.”

Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, Aribiena emphasised that Nigeria could not afford to be caught unprepared again.

“We need innovative ways to unlock the health sector’s value chain and position ourselves to benefit from the African Free Trade Continental Area, one of the world’s largest markets,” she said.

Observers say this vision is not just aspirational; it reflects a pragmatic understanding that relying heavily on imported medicines leaves Nigeria vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions, price fluctuations, and questions about product quality and availability.

Local production promises more than sufficiency; it promises affordable, accessible, and good-quality medicines.

The government’s commitment includes developing policies that create a welcoming environment for investors and entrepreneurs in the health sector, recognising that a vibrant pharmaceutical industry is a cornerstone of national wellbeing.

One of the key challenges highlighted during the conference was not the lack of policy but the difficulty in implementation.

Dr Omotayo Hamza of the World Health Organisation said there was the need for harmonisation among various ministries and stakeholders involved in local production.

“We have Ministries of Trade, Health, and Science and Technology all working on related but separate initiatives.

“Harmonising these efforts will help create a strong, unified agenda that can be realistically implemented,” she said.

This approach underscores the complexity of healthcare innovation; it requires collaboration across government sectors, the private industry, and community stakeholders.

A persistent concern among Nigerians has been the efficacy and safety of locally produced vaccines.

Dr Chinelo Okonkwo, a pharmacist, addressed vaccine hesitancy with clarity and reassurance.

“Nigerian vaccines undergo rigorous production stages and quality control before certification.

“Adverse events following immunisation are rare and do not undermine vaccine efficacy.”

Okonkwo emphasised the importance of trusting Nigerian products over parallel imports.

She said that such imports might suffer from compromised cold chain management, a critical factor since vaccines were sensitive biological molecules that lose potency if not kept at proper temperatures.

“It is better that vaccines are produced here, ensuring they remain safe and effective for our people,” she said.

Dr Olajide Adebola, the conference facilitator, reflected on how COVID-19 was a wake-up call for Nigeria’s health sector.

“The pandemic taught us many lessons about supply chains and preparedness,” he said.

Adebola said that a major driver of high medicine costs was the import component.

Experts say with increased local manufacturing and sound, evidence-based government policies, the cost of medicines is expected to decrease, making healthcare more affordable.

The stories from Kaduna’s markets and Abuja’s conference halls are deeply connected.

At one end, community outreach programmes like PEAN’s teach everyday Nigerians how to use medicines safely and wisely, empowering them to take charge of their health.

At the other end, government initiatives aim to strengthen Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry to produce quality, affordable medicines locally, ensuring sustainability and self-reliance.

These efforts address Nigeria’s healthcare challenges on multiple fronts, from preventing misuse and improving health literacy to ensuring a steady supply of trusted medicines.

Stakeholders say PEAN’s efforts and the government’s push for local pharmaceutical production represent two sides of the same coin– empowerment through knowledge and empowerment through capacity-building.

Together, they offer a brighter, healthier future for all Nigerians.