Pharm. Cynthia Akumanue, a clinical pharmacist, lecturer, and researcher at the University for Development Studies (UDS)

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has congratulated Pharm. Cynthia Akumanue, a clinical pharmacist, lecturer, and researcher at the University for Development Studies (UDS), on her selection as the recipient of the 2025 FIP Foundation–United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Research Grant.

The award places her among a select group of researchers globally recognized for their commitment to advancing pharmaceutical care and patient safety through innovative research.

The grant, sponsored by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) through the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) Foundation for Education and Research, provides funding of up to €5,000 to support research assessing the impact of pharmaceutical pictograms on patients’ understanding of medication information. The initiative specifically seeks to generate evidence on the effectiveness of pictograms in improving medicine use among populations with low health literacy.

The achievement is particularly significant as it highlights the growing contribution of Ghanaian pharmacists to global research and efforts to address barriers to safe and effective medicine use.

USP, established in 1820, is a globally respected independent scientific nonprofit organization dedicated to building trust in the supply of safe, quality medicines. Through scientific standards, research, advocacy, and education, the organization supports access to quality medicines and healthcare products for billions of people around the world.

For Pharm. Akumanue, the grant represents an opportunity to address a pressing public health challenge in Ghana’s northern regions, where health literacy barriers can affect medication adherence, treatment outcomes, and patient safety.

Speaking on the award, she noted:

“We are honoured to receive the 2025 FIP Foundation-USP Research Grant. The funding provides essential support to address a critical public health issue: overcoming health literacy gaps in medication use among vulnerable populations in Northern Ghana. This project to build evidence for USP pictograms represents a fundamental effort to empower patients and enhance the clarity of medicines information.”

Her proposed research is expected to contribute valuable evidence that can inform patient counselling strategies, improve medicine communication tools, and ultimately strengthen pharmaceutical care for underserved populations.

The recognition comes at a time when pharmacists are increasingly being called upon to play expanded roles in health promotion, patient education, and the optimization of medication use. By focusing on practical solutions to improve patients’ understanding of medicines, the project aligns strongly with global efforts to promote patient-centred care and health equity.

About Pharm. Cynthia Akumanue

Pharm. Cynthia Akumanue is a clinical pharmacist, educator, and researcher with a strong background in leadership and professional development. She is a lecturer at the University for Development Studies (UDS) School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, where she teaches clinical pharmacy and pharmacotherapeutics and contributes actively to curriculum development. She holds a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree and a Master’s degree in Clinical Pharmacy and is currently pursuing a PhD in Clinical Pharmacy. Her research interests span pharmacy practice, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, medication therapy management, rational medicine use, simulation-based education, and health systems strengthening.

Her current doctoral research focuses on developing innovative strategies to improve medication adherence among pediatric patients. Beyond her academic work, she is deeply committed to mentorship and professional development. She serves as a mentor and patron of the UDS branch of the Lady Student Pharmacists Association and is actively involved in developing a preceptor training programme aimed at strengthening Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE) for PharmD students.

Through her teaching, research, mentorship, and commitment to improving patient care, Pharm. Akumanue continues to exemplify the excellence, innovation, and impact that define the future of pharmacy practice in Ghana.