The event, part of PharmAcademy 2026, was organized by Opella Vietnam in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Pharmacy Association, taking place in late april. Experts presented and discussed common issues related to the three key biological gateways: skin, respiratory, and digestive systems.

PharmAcademy 2026 attracted 1,500 pharmacists participating from 22 locations nationwide. Photo: Opella

Opening the program, Associate Professor, Doctor Hoang Thi Lam, Head of Clinical Immunology Department, Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City, discussed the environmental impact on biological gateways and the solution of antihistamine-probiotics in treating chronic urticaria. She emphasized that modern environmental factors and lifestyles are increasing the burden on the body's natural biological barriers. Among these, chronic urticaria is a skin condition that significantly impacts patients' quality of life.

Following this, Associate Professor, Doctor Le Cong Dinh, Head of Otorhinolaryngology Department, Bach Mai Hospital, presented strategies for managing allergic rhinitis amidst climate change and air pollution. According to Doctor Dinh, these factors are contributing to an increase in both the incidence and severity of the condition. This necessitates that pharmacists adopt a more systematic, practical, and consistent counseling approach at pharmacies.

Associate Professor, Doctor Nguyen Anh Tuan, Deputy Head of Pediatrics Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Ho Chi Minh City, shared insights on gut health management in the face of pressure from ultra-processed foods and antibiotic overuse. His presentation clarified the risks making gut microbiota disorders increasingly common. He also highlighted the role of pharmacists in supporting the protection and reconstruction of the gut microbial barrier through standardized counseling at pharmacies.

Speakers answered pharmacists' questions during the discussion session. Photo: Opella

Valentina Belcheva, General Director of Opella Vietnam and Cambodia, the organizing unit, stated that Opella's corporate foundation is self-care. She noted that pharmacists are an important bridge to patients, which is why Opella focuses on programs like PharmAcademy to support enhancing counseling capabilities at pharmacies.

Valentina Belcheva spoke at the PharmAcademy 2026 workshop. Photo: Opella

Based on the "pharmacist's hand" formula, a five-step counseling process for common skin, respiratory, and digestive issues, Opella introduced additional solutions to support pharmacists in their over-the-counter counseling practice.

Telfast was highlighted for its effectiveness in counseling for allergic rhinitis treatment as air pollution increases. For chronic urticaria, this active ingredient was also mentioned as a leading second-generation H1 antihistamine that helps control symptoms and improve patients' quality of life.

Enterogermina was introduced as a supportive option for common gut microbiota disorders encountered at pharmacies, such as acute diarrhea, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, or certain digestive problems related to microbial imbalance.

Another approach involves combining antihistamines and probiotics, thereby offering pharmacists more supportive options when managing issues related to the skin-respiratory-digestive axis at pharmacies.

Following the workshop, PharmAcademy 2026 will continue to implement many activities for the pharmacy community. Pharmacists who participate and fully complete the specialized topics and program requirements will have the opportunity to receive CPE. Through this, PharmAcademy 2026 continues to demonstrate its commitment to accompanying pharmacists in their journey to enhance counseling capabilities, contributing to more effective community healthcare right at the pharmacy.

Yen Chi