Combating drug abuse through pharmacist-led public health campaigns strategic initiatives for global prevention

Akachukwu Obianuju Mbata 1, *, Eigbokhan Gilbert Ogbewele 2 and Nelly Tochi Nwosu 3

1 Kaybat Pharmacy and Stores, Benin, Nigeria.
2 Roche Products Limited, Lagos Nigeria.
3 Independent Researcher, Chicago, IL, USA.
 
Review Article
International Journal of Frontiers in Medicine and Surgery Research, 2024, 06(02), 038–048.
Article DOI: 10.53294/ijfmsr.2024.6.2.0046
Publication history: 
Received on 24 August 2024; revised on 02 October 2024; accepted on 04 October 2024
 
Abstract: 
The global drug abuse crisis continues to pose significant public health challenges, necessitating comprehensive prevention strategies. Pharmacists, as accessible and trusted healthcare professionals, are increasingly recognized for their pivotal role in drug abuse prevention. This paper explores pharmacist-led public health campaigns and interventions designed to mitigate drug abuse, particularly through education, outreach, and collaboration with other healthcare providers. It examines core components of effective campaigns, including targeting at-risk populations such as youth and high-risk communities. Additionally, the paper discusses global prevention strategies, addressing the cultural, economic, and legal barriers that pharmacists face while highlighting opportunities for their leadership in international drug prevention efforts. The conclusion emphasizes the need for policy recommendations to enhance the pharmacist’s role in drug abuse prevention, alongside future directions leveraging digital health technologies and international collaboration to achieve more effective global outcomes.
 
Keywords: 
Pharmacist-led prevention; Drug abuse; Public health campaigns; Global prevention strategies; Education and outreach
 
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