In this episode of Policy Unpacked, we sit down with two GPN leaders from opposite sides of the globe and at different stages in their careers. James Malgwi, a seasoned pharmacist and public health specialist based in Nigeria, and Leslie Ipock, an emerging leader and graduate student at William & Mary University, reflect on how the GPN Fellowship has shaped their leadership journeys and commitment to access to medicines. 

Together, they explore what it means to build policy across generations, bridge theory and frontline practice, and drive change in diverse contexts, from conflict-affected regions to global roundtable forums. 

What We Cover in This Episode: 

Pathways into Policy 

● Leslie’s academic journey and entry into global health 

● James’s shift from pharmacy practice to health system strategy 

Leadership & Learning at GPN 

● Behind the scenes of GPN’s medicines roundtable series 

● Bridging theory and practice as a student leader 

Systems Thinking & Skill Gaps 

● Gaps in pharmaceutical delivery systems in Nigeria 

● Rethinking global health education and career readiness 

Equity, Access & Innovation 

● What does equity mean on the ground in fragile settings 

● How young leaders can build inclusive health systems 

Collaboration Across Careers 

● Generational learning and interdisciplinary cooperation 

● Reflections on adapting to UK healthcare systems 

Mentorship & Motivation 

● Advice for emerging health leaders 

● Why listening to youth voices matters 

GPN’s Unique Role 

● What drew them to GPN and what they’re building 

● Why GPN stands out in the policy space 

Key Themes 

Global Policy Network Fellowship | Youth & Early-Career Leadership | Medicines Access | Pharmacy Systems in LMICs | Intergenerational Collaboration | Global Health Equity | Public Health Strategy | Mentorship in Global Health

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#PolicyUnpacked #GlobalHealth #PharmacyPolicy #YouthLeadership #EquityInHealthcare #NigeriaHealth #MedicinesAccess #GPN #BonusEpisode #HealthcareInnovation 

In this compelling episode of Policy Unpacked, we speak with Azuka Okeke, an innovator in pharmaceutical systems strengthening and health supply chains across Africa. As CEO of ARC_ESM, Azuka leads strategic initiatives to transform how essential medicines are distributed, especially in resource-limited settings. 

She shares her journey into public health and pharmacy, reflects on personal resilience, and discusses how global partnerships, inclusive leadership, and data-driven innovation are reshaping Nigeria’s pharmaceutical landscape. 

What We Cover in This Episode: 

1. Azuka’s Journey & Leadership 

• How she entered pharmacy and public health 

• Leading through personal and professional challenges 

2. Strengthening Supply Chains 

• Systemic barriers and promising tools improving delivery 

• How ARC-ESM is transforming pharmaceutical logistics 

3. Global Partnerships & Innovation 

• Collaborating with MIT, ASU, and others 

• Opportunities for Nigerian pharma over the next five years 

4. Pharmacy Workforce & Access 

• Why pharmacists must lead system change 

• Their role in improving care for women and children 

5. Equity, Quality & Local Manufacturing 

• Ensuring fair access in underserved areas 

• Balancing sustainability and quality in local production 

6. Vision & GPN Partnership 

• Azuka’s top priorities for system reform 

• What excites her about joining forces with GPN 

Key Themes 

• Leadership through challenge 

• Fixing medicine supply chains 

• Global-local partnerships 

• Pharmacists as change agents 

• Equity and smart innovation 

  
  

  You can find more information about ARC_ESM at:

  • LinkedIn: Africa Resource Center for Excellence in Supply Chain Managementhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/arc-esm
  • Twitter (X): @ARC_ESM https://x.com/ARC_ESM?t=OVUKWtp0oAU3e8n3tYekHQ&s=09
  • Instagram: @thearc_esm https://www.instagram.com/arc_esm?igsh=ZzM0c3A4ZWlhMzR5

  
  

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In this episode of Policy Unpacked, we sit down with Shilpa Shah, CEO of North East London LPC and advisor to the Global Policy Network, to explore the evolving role of community pharmacy in the health and care system.

We unpack leadership in pharmacy, the realities of delivering primary care at the frontline, and the importance of compassion in shaping both professional and voluntary service. From misconceptions to mentorship, Shilpa reflects on 25 years in the sector and what gives her hope for the future.

Community Pharmacy Today

·       What it means to lead a regional pharmacy body and what’s changed over the years

·       The most pressing challenges facing community pharmacists

·       Key misconceptions about the sector and how to overcome them

·       Untapped potential in pharmacy services and partnerships

Leadership, Charity & Compassion

·       How Shilpa’s work with Samaritans and Crisis informs her professional ethos

·       Bridging mental health support for pharmacists

·       Lessons community pharmacy can learn from the voluntary sector

The Future of Pharmacy

·       The potential of scaling independent prescribing

·       The role of AI and technology in transforming pharmacy practice

·       Why now is the time to spotlight untapped potential in community care

GPN and Final Reflections

·       Shilpa’s involvement in GPN’s pharmacy roundtable series

·       What excites her about GPN’s mission and the future of integrated care

·       Topics we’re not talking about enough - and why they matter

·       Why early career mentorship matters in pharmacy policy and practice

KEY THEMES
Leadership in Community Pharmacy
Challenges and Misconceptions
Mental Health, Volunteering and Compassion
Future Innovations in Care
GPN and Policy Mentorship

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In this episode of Policy Unpacked, we sit down with Yousaf Ahmad, a national leader in pharmacy and integrated care, to explore how the digital revolution, from AI to genomics, is reshaping the future of health.

We talk prescribing rights, the evolution of the healthcare workforce, and what it really means to bring care closer to communities. Yousaf shares his vision for localised, person-centred care and the role pharmacy can play in addressing health inequalities on the ground.

Digital Transmission AI and Genomics

·       The use of AI and Genomics within the area of personalized medicine

·       How the use of AI and Genomics are empowering clinicians

·       A piece of innovation in the digital health space that is under discussed at the moment.

Future workforce and prescribing 

·       How professionals, gaining prescribing right, shift the balance of care delivery in integrated systems.

·       Redesigning pharmacy education, to prepare professionals 

·       The meaning of neighborhood workings  and the role community pharmacy play in it.

GPN and Final Reflection 

·       What excites Yousaf about GPN's vision and mission

·       A summary of Yousaf's involvement and impact in GPN

·       An incite on Yousaf's involvement in the medicine policy round table and what to expect.

Looking To The Future 

·       What does Yousaf envisage the health care sector would look like in the nearest future.

KEY THEMES

·       Digital Transformation, AI and Genomics

·       Future workforce and prescribing care

·       GPN and Final Reflection

·       Future insight on the health care sector.Listen Now 

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Welcome back to Policy Unpacked, a podcast by the Global Policy Network. In this episode, host Ameneh Ghazal Saatchi is joined by Stephen Riley, Deputy Chief Regional Pharmacist for Pharmacy Integration at NHS England Northwest.

With over 18 years of experience, Stephen shares his reflections on pharmacy’s evolving role within the healthcare system: from community roots to national policy leadership. This episode explores how pharmacy integration, system leadership, and innovation can help deliver more equitable, localised, and patient-centred care.

 In this episode:

• What drew Stephen to pharmacy, and how his career evolved

• What "pharmacy integration" really means on the ground

• How workforce transformation is reshaping prescribing and patient care

• The role of neighbourhood working and personalised services

• Tackling health inequalities through pharmacy

• Underappreciated innovations in clinical and digital pharmacy

• The importance of collaboration between regulators, providers, and commissioners

• What gives Stephen hope about the future of health and care

• His involvement with the Global Policy Network and what excites him about the mission

Quickfire Highlights:

• The one thing Stephen would change in healthcare tomorrow

• His most inspiring figure

• A must-read book for aspiring leaders

• His shout-outs to future podcast guests

Key Themes:
Healthcare integration • Community pharmacy • Medicines optimisation • Workforce development • Digital innovation • Localised care • Health equity • System leadership

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In this episode of Policy Unpacked, we sit down with Dr Sheikh Mateen Ellahi, a national leader in pharmacy and integrated care, to explore how the digital revolution is reshaping the future of healthcare.

We talk about prescribing rights, the evolution of the healthcare workforce, and what it means to bring care closer to communities. Dr Ellahi shares his vision for localised, person-centered care and the role pharmacy can play in addressing health inequalities on the ground. 

Enhancing Primary Care Practice

• Strategies that have been implemented to improve patient care and operational efficiency  

• The biggest opportunities and challenges that primary health care face  

Impact of Primary Care Changes on Patient Safety

• Changes observed that have significantly impacted patient care  

• How to access and mitigate risk associated with this changes 

• The role data and analytics play in improving patient care. 

AI In Primary Care

• The evolving role of AI in primary care over the next five to ten years  

• Application of AI in supporting GPs and improving patient outcomes  

• What are the essential considerations when implementing AI in primary care  

GPN and Global Collaboration

• What excites Dr Ellahi about GPN's vision and mission 

• How international collaboration enhances the impact of the health care policy 

Closing Thoughts and Advice

• Advice for healthcare professionals aiming to drive change in their practices  

• What is Dr Ellahi's aspirations for the future primary care in the UK  

Key Themes  

• Strategies put in place to improve patient care and operational efficiency  

• Challenges facing the health care systems  

• The role of AI in healthcare  

• Conducts of primary care leaders when incorporating AI in health care practices. 

Listen Now 

Subscribe for new episodes each week. 

Learn More 

Explore our work at www.globalpolicynetwork.com 

Welcome to Policy Unpacked by Global Policy Network!

Hosted by Ameneh Ghazal Saatchi, this series explores the intersection between sustainability, healthcare and education.

Join us each Tuesday for more episodes!

Linkedin: linkedin.com/global-policy-network

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Email: [email protected]

Website: www.globalpolicynetwork.com