HISTORIC BACKGROUND
In the mid-seventies, pharmacists in the West African Region realized the need for them to come together to harmonize and develop pharmacy education, laws and practice in order to improve the quality of healthcare and the life of the people of the region. This led to the formation of the West African Pharmaceutical Federation (WAPF) in October 1976 in Monrovia, Liberia.
Pharmacists that were present at the inaugural meeting were drawn from The Gambia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal and Sierra Leone. However, the francophone countries subsequently withdrew from the Federation.
In the process of realizing our vision, there was the need to establish a Postgraduate Professional Training Program leading to award of Fellowship in order to meet the expanding roles of pharmacists worldwide and the changing needs of the society in pharmaceutical care.
In 1991, the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists (WAPCP), was established under the educational mandate of WAPF. The College was officially inaugurated in Accra, Ghana in February 1991.
The first batch of Fellows by examination was admitted into the College in February 1997. On November 2nd, 1999, the Assembly of Health Ministers (AHM) of the then West African Health Community (WAHC) approved the change of name of WAPF to WAPCP. With this, the WAPCP became the official agency representing the pharmacy profession in WAHC, which was subsequently replaced by the West African Health Organization (WAHO)
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
- To advance the knowledge and skills of practicing pharmacists through postgraduate education and training.
- To advance the knowledge of the application of pharmacy in the health care system.
- To promote research in pharmacy and to advance pharmacy practice in specialized disciplines.
- To promote Ethical Pharmacy Practice in the region.
- To identify and accredit institutions for professional postgraduate education and residency training.
- To conduct examinations and award Postgraduate Fellowship, Diploma and Certificate.
- To promote pharmaceutical care practice.
- To engage in other activities that will ensure the furtherance of the aims and objectives enumerated above.
- To promote the integration of traditional and herbal medicines into the National Health Systems.
- To pursue Continuing Professional Development.
- To promote and advance Public Health Pharmacy.
- To promote harmonization of pharmacy education in the region.
- To promote harmonization of pharmaceutical legislation and development of National Drug Policies in the region.
- To promote Health Commodities and Drug Supply Chain Management.
- To promote local Drug Production and Quality Assurance of Health Commodities, Drugs and Services.
- To co-operate with other health professionals, scientists and organizations in activities that will ensure maintenance of high standard of pharmacy practice and health care delivery.
- To collaborate with Sister Colleges and National Colleges.