Opella and the Egyptian Organization of Pharmacy, Development and Training (EOP) have introduced a new educational programme designed to assist pharmacists in managing allergies aggravated by air pollution. The initiative, titled Air and Allergy Care with Your Pharmacist, was formally launched on October 24 during the 9th Egyptian Pharmacists Conference & Middle East.
The programme will begin with a pilot phase involving approximately 400 pharmacists. Participants will undergo a four-hour curriculum covering symptom recognition, the relationship between air quality and allergic rhinitis, and clinical evidence. Upon completion, pharmacists will receive a certificate, a professional badge, and a toolkit to support patient consultations.
The initiative aims to reach 50,000 people across Egypt by the end of 2026. As part of the effort, some pharmacies will install Air Quality Index screens to help facilitate discussions regarding how environmental factors may influence allergy symptoms.
Feirouz Ellouze, General Manager for Opella Africa, Middle East and Türkiye, stated that the programme aims to help pharmacists "turn knowledge into meaningful conversations at the pharmacy counter." Marwa Mazen, Vice President of EOP, added that the training is intended to support the role of pharmacists in promoting health literacy and responsible self-care.
The project addresses the significant role community pharmacists play in the Egyptian healthcare system. A 2024 study indicated that over half of the respondents who practiced self-medication relied on recommendations from pharmacists for guidance.
