Meet Wassia Lignon, Pharmacist, French-Speaking Africa!

ACADEMIA AND MOTIVATION
I am originally from the Ivory Coast, and I am extremely proud of it. I studied Pharmacy. Why? Because of the numerous health problems I experienced from a young age. These experiences sparked a deep interest in how the human body works. Unable to bear the sight of blood, Pharmacy naturally emerged as the path that would allow me to contribute to patient care while remaining close to the healthcare sector. I particularly value the vital role played by pharmacists in promoting the correct use of medicines. For me, this is one of the most rewarding aspects of the profession, because it allows me to listen, offer guidance and have a real impact on people’s health and quality of life.

WHY BIAL?
Before joining Bial, I was a community pharmacist. I thought I knew medication well, but working here allowed me to discover all the invisible work that takes place before it reaches the patient. Understanding all the stages, from its development to its marketing, was a real revelation. Joining Bial meant entering a world I knew little about, but one that would give me a much broader understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and the entire lifecycle of a medicine. After several years working in a pharmacy, it was what I needed to broaden my knowledge and add a new dimension to my career. What drew me to Bial was the opportunity to work in an international and dynamic environment, alongside people from different backgrounds and cultures, while contributing to improving access to high-quality medicines across several countries. When I was offered the job, I felt a mix of emotions: immense joy, a lot of excitement, but also a certain fear of the unknown and a strong desire to prove myself. Looking back, this experience has been a remarkable journey of both professional and personal growth, and it reassures me every day that I made the right decision.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO WORK AT BIAL?
My days usually begin with checking my emails, handling urgent requests, and planning priorities. From there, they are mainly focused on coordinating with internal teams and monitoring regulatory files, including marketing authorisation applications, renewals, variations, import authorisations, and communication with our local agents in the various countries for which I am responsible. The team I work with is made up of dedicated, skilled professionals who are always ready to support one another. Each team member brings their own knowledge and experience, allowing us to tackle challenges effectively and work together to register new medicines in French-speaking Africa and improve access to innovative treatments. My experience as a Pharmacist and Contact Person for Pharmacovigilance in French-Speaking Africa has broadened my perspective in many ways. Working with colleagues from different nationalities, learning from their experiences and sharing my own, without any barriers related to origin or skin colour, has been one of the most valuable aspects of my journey so far. We work in a true team spirit, built on collaboration and knowledge sharing rather than competition. I see ethical commitment within the Bial team as a fundamental value that guides everything we do. We always strive to work with integrity, transparency, and respect for regulatory requirements.