In a further demonstration of solidarity with the Pharmaceutical Students Federation-Ghana (PSFGh) and its mission to “bring together pharmacy students to promote health,” the Ghana Pharmaceutical Students’ Association (GPSA)-KNUST attended a Pre-DSC Workshop on “Opioid Misuse and the Stigmatization of People Who Use Drugs and many more.” The workshop,
organized by PSFGh in collaboration with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), aimed to educate pharmacists and attendees on these critical public health issues including any other equally beneficial information.
The event was held on September 29, 2025, at the Alisa Hotel, commencing with a coffee break. Attendees enjoyed a buffet-style breakfast in the serene garden setting of the Oasis Lounge & Bistro. The spread included an assortment of sandwiches, sliced bread, spring rolls, and a selection of hot and cold beverages such as coffee, various teas, Milo, and Zest juices from BlueSkies.
The event opened with a talk on ‘Introduction to PSFGh’ by the President of PSFGh General Assembly, Right Honourable Samuel Kofi Antwi. He outlined the organization’s vision, mission, hierarchical structure, and clarified the membership criteria differentiating PSFGh from PSGh. Following this talk was another from Dr. Daniel Charway on ‘Opioid Misuse and Abuse,’ citing
particularly the double-edged nature of opioids. “Opioids are a blessing for pain, but a curse for addiction,” he reasoned. He talked on why pharmacists need to be aware of this crisis and the practical roles they can play, from patient education to vigilant dispensing. He also emphasized tackling the stigma associated, noting that “addiction is a chronic disease, not a moral failing.”
The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Hector Perez, the Country Director for UNAIDS. He presented a compelling case for action, citing that “60 million people aged 16-50 years worldwide are associated with opioid use and abuse.” He followed this sobering statistic with a direct, rhetorical challenge to the attendees: “What role do we pharmacists then play in the prevention of such situations?” He concluded by emphasizing that those affected require empathy, support and not stigma, powerfully stating, “There’s the need to end the stigma, discrimination and violence because when one person suffers, the entire community feels the suffering.”
The final presentation was delivered by Pharm. Solomon A. Odamtten of the UNICHEM Ghana Group on the topic of Time Management. He began by acknowledging the inherently stressful nature of the pharmacy programme, noting the challenge of assimilating and grasping all core concepts across its five major divisions. He positioned effective time management as the crucial skill for managing these demands. Pharm. Odamtten defined time management as the process of planning, organizing, and controlling how time is spent. He elaborated on the specific steps involved in each of these three phases. Finally, he highlighted the universal benefits of these practices, which include increased productivity and improved efficiency.
Next was a lunch break, held in the room adjacent to the main sessions. Attendees were treated to an elaborate, buffet-style, three-course meal. While savoring the main dish, they were offered a range of juices and cocktails, with sweet mango options proving particularly popular. Finally, the dessert station beckoned, featuring an inviting selection from decadent cake slices to vibrant, fresh fruit.
The Final session for the day was in two parts: a discussion on the stigma associated with HIV and a breakout session. The discussion on HIV highlighted the QQR and U equals U as essentials to understanding HIV transmission pathways and in turn beaking the stiga associated. Here, GPSA KNUST played a vibrant role in asking relevant and mindboggling questions that effectively help other attendees fully understand, appreciate and change their stance toward HIV stigma as was evident with a subsequent poll. Also in the break up session, the attendees were divided into groups to produce short notes on the topic as well as other related matters to PSFGh.
The day’s final session was structured in two parts: a discussion on the stigma associated with HIV, followed by a breakout session. The discussion powerfully highlighted concepts like Quality, Quantity and Route (QQR) and Undetectable equals Uncontractible (U=U) as essential tools for understanding HIV transmission pathways and dismantling misconceptions. It was during this segment that the GPSA-KNUST delegation distinguished itself as a dynamic force, driving the conversation forward with incisive and thought-provoking questions. Their articulate inquiries were pivotal in helping the wider audience grasp the critical information, leading to a tangible shift in perspective. This evolution in understanding was clearly demonstrated by the results of a subsequent poll. The session then transitioned into breakout groups, where attendees collaborated to produce briefs on the topic and other matters pertinent to PSFGh.
The event concluded on a high note, with meal takeaways, music, and a flood of photographs. It was the GPSA-KNUST delegation that truly embodied the event’s forward-looking spirit, consistently showcasing a level of engagement and intellectual curiosity that set them apart. As cameras flashed, their prominent presence in the final photos served as a visual testament to their vital role as not just attendees, but as the future leaders shaping the discourse within PSFGh. This final, picture-perfect scene served as a fitting tribute to a day dedicated to building a more informed, empathetic, and united pharmaceutical community.
Reported by:
Agyemang Mariam Pinaman