The National Drug Authority (NDA) organised and sponsored a five-day Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) Core Course for 22 pharmacists, mainly from the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda. Delivered by Uganda Youth Development Link (UYDEL), with support from the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme, the course promoted evidence-based prevention and connected participants with ISSUP Uganda for continued professional learning.
Participants explored prevention science, psychoactive substances, risk and protective factors, intervention planning, monitoring, evaluation and ethics through ten modules and practical group work.
Trainers encouraged all participants to join ISSUP Uganda, connecting them with a professional network, learning resources and opportunities for further training. These resources can help pharmacists build on the UPC course and continue sharing evidence-based prevention knowledge.
“The course helped me see that substance use prevention goes beyond simply informing people about the dangers of drugs. I learnt that effective prevention begins with understanding the factors that place people at risk and the protective factors that can support them. It also involves using evidence to select appropriate interventions, working with families and communities, and assessing whether our efforts are making a difference. As a pharmacist, I now appreciate the role I can play in educating the public about the responsible use of medicines and supporting prevention efforts in my community,” one participant shared.
The course provided a foundation for pharmacists to support responsible medicine use, public education and evidence-based prevention. Application in practice will require follow-up. At the closing, Dr David Nahamya, Secretary to the Authority, thanked the trainers and participants and expressed NDA’s interest in extending UPC training to other health professionals, including clinicians. By investing in the knowledge and skills of pharmacists, Uganda is strengthening a workforce that can promote healthier communities and contribute to a more coordinated, evidence-based response to substance use.