Rational medicine use is a key component of an effective healthcare system. It includes the proper production, storage, selection, prescribing, dispensing, and administration of medicines to obtain the best therapeutic outcomes while minimizing potential dangers. The principles of rational medicine usage include accurate diagnosis, suitable medicine selection, proper dosage, and comprehensive patient education. In recent years, Afghanistan has faced significant challenges in its healthcare sector, including issues related to the misuse of medicines, lack of regulation, and insufficient access to essential medicines. The rapid expansion of the pharmaceutical market in Afghanistan, coupled with limited healthcare infrastructure, has led to a complex landscape where irrational medicine use is prevalent. This includes the overuse of antibiotics, self-medication, and the circulation of counterfeit or substandard medicine, which pose severe risks to public health (7). The issue of rational medicine use is critical in ensuring that proper medication is produced, properly stored, and distributed. Patients receive the right medication in the correct dose, for an appropriate duration, and at a reasonable cost. It also necessitates the establishment of regulatory frameworks, education programs for prescribers and the public, and the development of strategies to combat the spread of counterfeit medicine.

Objectives of the Conference:

This conference represents a significant academic and professional initiative focused on the importance of the rational use of medicines in Afghanistan’s healthcare sector. It serves as a platform for exchanging perspectives among key stakeholders in the areas of optimal medication consumption, effective management, and policy development, leading to the following tangible impacts:

1.      Strengthening Academic and Professional Coordination:

This conference serves as a critical platform where healthcare professionals, policymakers, pharmaceutical experts, and academic researchers engage in meaningful discourse to analyze and address the complex challenges and emerging opportunities surrounding the rational use of medicines. Through collaborative knowledge-sharing, evidence-based discussions, and interdisciplinary perspectives, participants present practical solutions that can enhance medicine use, optimize healthcare practices, and inform effective policy frameworks.

2.     Introducing New Experiences Related to Medicine Use:

Participants, through global experiences, research studies, and innovative scientific methodologies, present a new perspective on the rational use of medicines in the context of Afghanistan’s healthcare system.

3.     Future Vision:

Through this conference, a future landscape is envisioned where the culture of rational medication use is enhanced, the use of unnecessary medicines is limited, prescription-based drug distribution becomes common, and greater attention is given to medicine quality, effectiveness, and accessibility.

4.     Establishing a Foundation for Policy Development and Scientific Research:
This conference serves as a robust bridge between scientific research, academic discussions, and policy formulation. Additionally, it aims to promote the development of sustainable, evidence-based, and contextually relevant healthcare policies tailored to the specific needs of the country

5.     Efforts for Cooperation and Network Building:

The conference opens new doors for collaboration among national partners, which can pave the way for future joint projects, academic exchanges, and capacity-building programs.

Rationale for Convening the Conference:

In a country like Afghanistan, where the healthcare system faces numerous challenges, including inappropriate medicine use, the presence of counterfeit drugs, lack of monitoring, and the absence of professional capacities, this conference serves as a critical initiative to address these pressing concerns. In Afghanistan, medicine is often obtained without a doctor's prescription, which not only negatively affects drug efficacy and proper treatment but also poses a serious threat to public health. Thus, public awareness regarding the rational use of medicines, professional training, and the reinforcement of relevant regulations are critical necessities. This conference provides an appropriate scientific framework for in-depth discussions and evidence-based solutions, bringing together experts to formulate effective strategies that ensure safer, more efficient pharmaceutical practices. Additionally, policymakers must base their decisions on scientific evidence to ensure effective medication management and standardized patient treatment. This conference creates a scientific environment where they can exchange ideas with experts, identify key challenges, and explore impactful strategies for advancing healthcare policies. Scientific research on medicine use in the country remains limited. This conference provides a platform for scientific dialogue, clarifies research needs, and proposes collaboration with relevant institutions. Moreover, the conference creates opportunities for experience-sharing among Afghan experts. 

Significance of the Conference

The value of this conference lies in ensuring the exchange of experiences and knowledge among doctors, pharmacists, policymakers, and other professionals, which is considered a fundamental step toward strengthening national capacities. This type of scientific environment provides a platform for understanding and addressing core challenges in the healthcare system, while also offering opportunities for coordination, collaboration, and innovation in relevant sectors. Through this conference, the discussions raised and the scientific recommendations presented can bring about constructive changes in the management, distribution, monitoring, and evaluation of medicines, leading in the long term to the establishment of a transparent, accountable, and effective pharmaceutical system. Safe medicines, science-driven treatment, and the principles of rational use are not only essential for the physical well-being of patients but also critical for improving their overall quality of life. This is the vision that the conference embodies, striving to create a practical connection between knowledge, experience, and policy to ensure more effective and evidence-based pharmaceutical practices.

General Objectives of the Conference:

The key objective of this national conference is to foster coordination between scientific research, policy development, and practical healthcare experience. It seeks to bring together key stakeholders from the healthcare sector, facilitating collaborative discussions, exchange of ideas, and the identification of effective solutions.

1. Raising awareness at the public, professional, and policy levels about the importance of rational medication use
2. Ensuring the exchange of ideas and experiences among professional institutions, healthcare specialists, and policymakers
3. Defining solutions to address irrational drug use, counterfeit medications, and low-quality treatment
4. Strengthening the policy-making process related to medication use, based on scientific research and evidence
5. Facilitating collaboration and network-building among research institutions, healthcare agencies, and international partners
6. Establishing a foundation for academic and professional discussions to support the development of sustainable and effective policies, accelerating the reform of Afghanistan’s healthcare system.

Main themes of the Conference:

Ø  Current Status of Medicine Use in Afghanistan

Ø  Counterfeit and Substandard Medicine in Afghanistan

Ø  Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Management in Afghanistan

Ø  Role of Healthcare Professionals in Rational Medicine Use in Afghanistan

Ø  Public Awareness and Community Engagement in Afghanistan

Ø  Global Perspectives and Innovations in Medicine Use Management

Ø  Combatting Antimicrobial Resistance in Afghanistan

Ø  Pharmacy Ethics and Patient Safety in Afghanistan

Ø  Future Directions and Strategic Planning in Afghanistan

Conference sub-themes:

Ø  Overview of medicine use patterns, prescription practices, and public health challenges in Afghanistan.

Ø  Examination of the prevalence and impact of irrational medicine use, including overuse of antibiotics and self-medication in Afghanistan.

Ø  Assessment of the scope and impact of counterfeit and substandard medicine in Afghanistan.

Ø  Assessment of strategies for combating the circulation of counterfeit and substandard medicine through improved regulation, enforcement, and public awareness in Afghanistan.

Ø  Exploration of challenges and solutions in ensuring the consistent supply of essential medicines in Afghanistan.

Ø  Research on best practices for managing medicine procurement, storage, and distribution in resource-limited settings in Afghanistan.

Ø  Research on the importance of educating and training prescribers, pharmacists, and other healthcare providers in Afghanistan.

Ø  Evaluation of guidelines and protocols for rational prescribing and dispensing practices in Afghanistan.

Ø  Examination of strategies for educating the public on the dangers of irrational medicine use and the importance of adhering to prescribed treatments in Afghanistan

Ø  Examination of the role of community health workers and NGOs in promoting rational medicine use in Afghanistan..

Ø  Examination of successful rational medicine use models and best practices that could be adapted to the Afghanistan context.

Ø  Examination of innovations in pharmaceutical technologies, telemedicine, and digital health to support rational medicine use in Afghanistan.

Ø  Examination of the relationship between irrational medicine use and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in Afghanistan.

Ø  Examination of national strategies to mitigate the spread of resistant pathogens through appropriate antibiotic stewardship in Afghanistan.

Ø  Evaluation of ethical considerations in medicine prescription, distribution, and marketing in Afghanistan.

Ø  Research on ensuring patient safety through the promotion of evidence-based practices and patient-centered care in Afghanistan.

Ø  Examination of future trends in the pharmaceutical sector, including personalized medicine and the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare.

Ø  Research on collaborative planning for long-term strategies to promote rational medicine use and improve healthcare outcomes in Afghanistan.

Ø  Assessment of potential local pharmaceutical manufacturing and self-sufficiency in Afghanistan.