As we bid farewell to Women’s Month and step into Pharmacy Month, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the vital roles that women in pharmacy play across South Africa. These remarkable professionals are not just pharmacists; they are the backbone of our healthcare system, driving progress in vaccine research, development, and accessibility, particularly in Africa. The theme for Pharmacy Month, “Let’s Talk About Vaccines,” highlight the critical need to focus on vaccines and the pivotal role pharmacists play in ensuring public health.
Pharmacists in every sector, from industrial settings to community healthcare, are indispensable. Their work goes beyond dispensing medication—they ensure that each patient receives the best possible care, optimsing the impact of every treatment. Without the academic institutions that train these professionals, the quality of care we depend on would simply not be possible. We recently sat down with Ms. Joan Nyanhongo, a pharmacist at the Clinical Research Support Research Centre in Rustenburg, who joined Aurum in 2021. She shared her journey into the world of research, a field she had always been passionate about. “I didn’t know about Aurum before I joined,” she said, “but I always wanted to get into research. Three years later, I’m on a contract in Rustenburg, and it has been an incredible experience. I’ve discovered that research is where I truly thrive—every day brings new information and knowledge. I don’t have to be just a research pharmacist; there are so many opportunities in this field that I’d like to explore.”
Ms. Nyanhongo also reflected on the critical role Aurum played during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We were responsible for ensuring the proper transportation and preparation of vaccines. Even after the lockdown ended, we continued to manage vaccine receipt, storage, and accountability for the
Department of Health. Public hospitals in the Northwest province partnered with us to distribute adult and paediatric vaccines to the community. We also provided essential training to government hospital pharmacists on proper COVID-19 vaccine storage, expiration management, and preparation techniques. Beyond that, we remain committed to combating misinformation and minimising vaccine hesitancy through continuous education.”
Her story is just one of many that highlight the incredible impact of women in pharmacy. Lerato Morale, who began her journey as a YHA intern, is now works as an administrative clerk at the same centre in Rustenburg. She speaks highly of the organisation and the team that motivated her to continue her studies and contribute more to the pharmacy profession.
Another inspiring figure is Emilia de Klerk, a pharmacist assistant who has been with Aurum for over 12 years. She shared a success story where pharmacist-led vaccine initiatives had a profound impact on patient health outcomes, proving the critical role pharmacists play in our healthcare system.
Nisha Naidoo, the Head of the Pharmacy Department at the Clinical Research Support Research Centre in Rustenburg, emphasised how Aurum is uniquely positioned to translate evidence into policy and policy into practice. “We are embedded in the community, which allows us to drive significant change.” she said with a huge smile on her face.
As we celebrate Pharmacy Month under the theme “Let’s Talk About Vaccines,” we must acknowledge the extraordinary contributions of these women. Their dedication to health, research, and vaccine accessibility is helping to create a healthier future for future generations. They are not just pharmacists; they are pioneers, educators, and champions of public health, making a lasting impact on communities across the nation.
