The Faculty of Pharmacy organised an educational seminar entitled “Misuse of Medicines”. The seminar formed part of Barakat Al-Anwar Al-Muhammadiyah Campaign, organised by Imam Hussein Holy Shrine under the supervision of the Health and University Education Authority and the Presidency of Al-Zahraa University for Women, along with the Deanship of the Faculty of Pharmacy. The said event was held on Saturday at 9:00 p.m. via the Zoom platform. It is worth noting that the event comes in line with the vision and strategic direction of Al-Zahraa University for Women to promote health awareness and public education, while encouraging academic staff and female students to participate in initiatives that address common societal issues.

The seminar was attended by Prof. Dr. Zainab Al-Sultani, the University President; Prof. Dr. Zuhair Mohammed Jaddoa, Vice President for Scientific Affairs; and Asst. Prof. Dr. Noor Al-Dabbagh, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy; the Assistant Deans; and a distinguished gathering of academic staff from the Faculty of Pharmacy at ZUW, alongside faculties from other Iraqi universities.

The seminar commenced with welcoming remarks from Prof. Dr. Al-Sultani, who congratulated the participants on the commemorations marking the birth anniversaries of the Muhammadan Moons-Imam Al-Hussein, Abu Al-Fadl Al-Abbas, Imam Ali Al-Akbar, and Imam Ali Al-Asghar (PBUT). She expressed her sincere wishes for their continued success in serving the community and promoting health awareness.

The seminar featured three principal themes. The first addressed the risks associated with the misuse of anti-inflammatory medicines and was presented by Specialist Pharmacists Fatimah Mohammed Sa'id and Hajar Ala'. Their presentation introduced the pharmacological group, highlighted the potential risks arising from inappropriate use, and outlined the correct methods of administration to minimise such risks.

The second theme, presented by Specialist Pharmacists Hala Younis and Dua' Mohsen, focused on the misuse of antibiotics and the serious consequences of this practice for both individual patients and the wider community. The speakers also provided a number of essential guidelines to ensure the safe and appropriate use of antibiotics.

The third theme was delivered by Specialist Pharmacists Ayat Abd Al-Khaliq and Noor Zuhair, who discussed the misuse of steroid medications, the factors contributing to this practice, and the long-term health complications associated with their inappropriate use.

The seminar concluded with an interactive discussion during which participants presented questions and shared clinical cases involving the misuse of medicines. The Deanship of the Faculty of Pharmacy commended the speakers and organisers for their dedicated efforts in promoting medical and health awareness within the community.

Translated by Zahra’ Ala’