Opella and EOP Partner to Train Pharmacists on Allergy Care in Egypt

Opella and the Egyptian Organization of Pharmacy, Development and Training (EOP) have launched an educational initiative to train pharmacists in managing allergies aggravated by air pollution. The partnership aims to reach approximately 50,000 people across Egypt by the end of 2026.

The organizations signed a memorandum of understanding for the program, titled “the Air and Allergy Care with Your Pharmacist,” on Oct. 24 during the 9th Egyptian Pharmacists Conference & Middle East. A pilot phase will initially train 400 pharmacists, providing them with scientific data on respiratory health and practical tools for patient consultations.

Program Details and Implementation

The curriculum spans four hours and covers topics including symptom recognition, clinical evidence, and the impact of air quality on allergic rhinitis. Upon completion, pharmacists will receive a certificate, a professional badge, and a specialized toolkit to assist in patient interactions.

Feirouz Ellouze, General Manager for Opella Africa, Middle East and Türkiye, stated that the program aims to equip healthcare professionals with actionable knowledge. The initiative plans to install Air Quality Index (AQI) screens in participating pharmacies. These displays are intended to facilitate discussions about environmental triggers rather than serving as diagnostic tools.

Addressing Community Health Needs

Marwa Mazen, Vice President of EOP, noted that pharmacists play a critical role in translating scientific evidence into guidance for the public. The program seeks to leverage the accessibility of local pharmacies to improve health literacy.

Data from a 2024 study of 1,630 Egyptian adults underscores the reliance on pharmacy-led care. The study found that 62.8% of respondents had self-medicated in the three months prior to the survey, with 53.61% of those individuals citing a pharmacist’s recommendation as their primary source of health guidance.