Session 1
On 13th March 2024, PSK in partnership with Haleon held a successful webinar on Navigating Acute Pain with Effective Use of Analgesics. We hosted an engaging and insightful session featuring Prof. Ermias Mergia Terefe, PhD who provided expert insights on acute pain management.
The session opened with Mark Pfister General Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa – Haleon who emphasized the importance of evidence-based pain management. Samson Kikuvi CDMP, ACIM Expert Marketing Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa – Haleon shared key statistics on pain management trends and the usage of Panadol, highlighting significant gaps in awareness and treatment.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
✅ Acute pain is short-term but requires timely and effective management.
✅ Non-opioid analgesics should be the first-line choice whenever possible.
✅ Multimodal analgesia enhances pain control while minimizing opioid reliance.
✅ Pain management should always be personalized based on patient-specific factors.
Despite the availability of pain relief options, many still suffer in silence:
🔹 74% rely on rest or sleep instead of seeking treatment.
🔹 67% do not seek information on managing pain.
🔹 58% endure pain without any intervention.
These statistics underscore the need for awareness and education on accessible and effective pain management strategies. Let’s continue working together to bridge this gap and empower individuals to take control of their health!
The session also featured interactive case studies, where participants engaged in short polls, providing #realworld insights into pain management practices and decision-making. These discussions fostered deeper understanding and highlighted practical approaches to improving patient care.
Session 2
On 27th March, the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK), in collaboration with Haleon hosted an insightful webinar on Low Back Pain a condition expected to affect 843 million people globally by 2050, with 47% prevalence in Africa and over 1 in 2 adults experiencing it monthly.
Prof. Ermias Mergia Terefe, PhD shared a stepwise approach to pain management based on severity, highlighting the importance of cautious NSAID use due to potential risks, and emphasizing acetaminophen’s favorable safety and pharmacokinetic profile.
We were also reminded that pain is more than physical – it impacts mood, self-esteem, daily function, and overall quality of life.
Samson Kikuvi CDMP, ACIM guided participants through the appropriate use of Panadol across age groups and the effective application of Voltaren Emulgel in managing low back pain.