8th Pharmacy Forum and 7th Digital Health Forum Kick Off in Tunis

Tunis, May 1, 2026 - The 8th Pharmacy Forum and 7th Digital Health Forum have commenced today at the Tunis Congress Palace, bringing together national and international experts to discuss pressing issues related to public health, digital transformation, and access to healthcare.

Organized by the Tunisian Syndicate of Private Pharmacy Owners in partnership with the International Pharmaceutical Federation and under the auspices of the Ministry of Health, this event highlights the "One Health" approach, which establishes a strong link between human, animal, and environmental health.

Speaking at the forum, Walid Boubaker, a former member of the Order of Pharmacists, emphasized that this concept, adopted by several international organizations, including the World Health Organization, since 2004, is based on the interdependence of different ecosystems. He noted that any degradation affecting one of these elements directly impacts human health.

Citing World Health Organization estimates, Boubaker pointed out that approximately 60% of infectious diseases are of animal origin, underscoring the importance of strengthening health surveillance and coordination between relevant sectors. He also warned against the excessive use of antibiotics, particularly in veterinary medicine, highlighting its direct consequences on public health.

In this context, the expert stressed the need for cooperation between different healthcare stakeholders to limit antibiotic overconsumption. He recalled that, according to WHO projections, antimicrobial resistance could be responsible for nearly 10 million deaths per year by 2050, a level that could surpass cancer-related deaths.

Furthermore, Boubaker mentioned the lack of coordination between veterinarians and pharmacists. A working group is planned within the forum to examine ways to strengthen collaboration between these professions, identify dysfunctions, and propose concrete solutions, while raising awareness among decision-makers and the general public about the importance of this synergy.

The forum brings together an elite of academics, international experts, and professionals from the sector, as part of a high-level scientific and strategic program. Discussions focus on challenges related to digitalization, economic model evolution, and innovation prospects in the healthcare domain.

Organized in partnership with several national institutions, including the Ministry of Health, the Order of Pharmacists, and the Faculty of Pharmacy in Monastir, the event aims to formulate concrete recommendations to support sector reforms and anticipate future challenges in a constantly evolving environment.