Written by: Prof Renier Coetzee

The 2025 SAAHIP Conference highlighted the pivotal role public health pharmacists play in driving transformative changes across health systems. This year’s theme “Future Ready 5.0” focused on empowering hospital and institutional pharmacists for tomorrow’s healthcare revolution.  Key discussion relative to public health included enhancing primary healthcare readiness for the National Health Insurance (NHI), embedding pharmaceutical public health education, leveraging digital innovations for medicine access, and advancing rational medicine use and antimicrobial stewardship. The conference emphasized bold policy reforms, data-driven supply chains, expanded clinical roles, and environmental accountability as critical to building a resilient healthcare system.

The School of Public Health was well represented by Prof. Renier Coetzee and Dr Hazel Bradley, whose presentations underscored their leadership in shaping the future of pharmacy:

Prof Renier Coetzee delivered two impactful presentations:

• Integrating Planetary Health in Pharmacy: Addressing Antimicrobial Disposal Practices and Educational Gaps to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance
• Preparing Pharmacists for Their Role in the NHI: The Contribution of Pharmaceutical Public Health Programmes in South Africa and Belgium

Dr Hazel Bradley shared insights from her work on:

• Experiences from SPaRCS – A Participatory Action Learning Project to Strengthen Pharmacovigilance and Regulatory Capacities in Four Southern African Countries

Prof Coetzee’s outstanding contributions were recognized with the Best Academic Presentation award.