ipsf afro.
.org
The International Pharmaceutical Students Federation
African
Regional
Office
was
established in 2008 during the 54th IPSF General
Assembly
in
Romania.
Since
grown
tremendously
then,
Cluj-Napoca,
the
region
has
representing
pharmacy students and recent graduates in
22
African
Countries
through
member associations.
IPSFAfRO
/
its
23
Cover page:
Hezron Munyakin IPSF AfRO RMPO Subcommittee 2019-20
Back page:
Nyakeh Vandy Kamara IPSF AfRO RMPO Subcommittee 2019-20
Design and Layout: Elton V. F. Decker
IPSF AfRO Regional Media and Publications Officer 2019-20
draob lairotide
Editors:
Esther Kisanga Editor, AfRO Bloggers Group 2019-20
Laila Kasumba IPSF AfRO RMPO Subcommittee 2019-20
Supervised by: Purity Wambui
IPSF AfRO Chairperson 2019-20
This has been a journey of finding the not-well-spoken-of students
and
talents young
pharmacy pharmacy
professionals share, together with their passion for wellness.
Disruptively changing the conventional narratives
one
about
what
follow,
this
could
possibly
guidelines
generation
know
they
seems
must to
be
breaking the glass ceiling – brilliantly.
And that is why this inaugural ‘AfRO Corner
eMagazine’
showcases
the
diverse skills of writing – articles, short
A letter from the
stories
and
poems
photography,
painting
designing
Editor-in-Chief
from
some
–
drawing,
and of
graphic
the
most
brilliant students and recent graduates from across the continent.
All too well, AfRO is a whole vibe. And that vibe is the bond that we share from
our
most
diverse
backgrounds.
So, enjoy our rhythm in the purest form of arts and creativity.
Dear Pharmily, This has been a journey of daring into
Yours in service,
the
untouched,
the
untold,
and
the
unsought. Just daring. Creatively bold.
Elton V. F. Decker, IPSF AfRO Regional Media and Publications Officer 2019-20
Summing up the courage to not only imagine,
but
also
never
letting
the
feeling of comfort make us cave.
Page 4
T
a
b
l
e
02
03
About IPSF African Regional
Editorial Board
Office
04
05
A letter from the Editor-in-
Table of Contents
Chief
09
11
My battle against asthma
Ijeoma
13
14
Dating in Medical School
Herbalists in the Jungle
17
18
Emptied
Dispirited Soul
Page 5
o
f
C
o
n
t
e
n
t
s
19
21
Chronicles from the future
The COVID-19 Outbreak and Nigeria's Transport Industry
24
25
If I Could Only Care
Is Marijuana Safe?
29
33
Inspired Heart
John Method's Collections
35
37
Muhluri Wisdom Makaringi's
Shattered
Collections
38
41
TARC
What You Should Know Before Using Drugs
Page 6
44
47
Themba Rihlampfu's
Pharmacy Education in
Collections
COVID-19
49
52
What Can Pharmacists Do to
Mama Africa
Curb Drug Abuse in Society?
54
55
Write Me A Poem
Stars;Â Where did it all go Wrong?
56
59
The Weddings
The Highlights: 9th IPSF African Regional Assembly
65
69
Member Organizations
RWG 2019-20 Testimonials
Page 7
Page 8
My Battle Against Asthma By Chiamaka Ogueri - PANS, Nigeria
E:Â chiamakaogueri11@gmail.com
to be discriminated against. Hence, would always
How do I begin this tale about how
hide to use my inhaler.
asthma, a nightmare that came to me While in high school, I was an athlete and did well in
as a child and lasted into my
track, running the 100m, 200m and 4 Ă— 100m relay races.
adulthood, has now left me a better
annual
person?
I
represented inter-house
my
sports
sports
and
house did
during
well
in
the such
outings. Running at the risk of my health was not a concern, I wanted to show my abilities.
On some occasions, I have had asthma attacks on the tracks while running. These attacks were severe because they led to my being hospitalised. A few family
friends
got
to
know
and
recommended
alternative treatment – traditional medicine. At first, we had our doubts about it, but my parents wanted immediate
results.
The
frequent
hospitalizations,
nocturnal attacks, the pains I went through and the many struggles for my life had tortured my parents, and
they
desperately
needed
a
solution.
The
traditional approach held no viable results, so we switched began
to
back
to
progress
orthodox in
the
medication, management
where of
I
my
condition.
W
Then, I got admitted into the University of my dreams. ell, 14 years ago I was diagnosed with asthma.
My well-managed asthma caved in like a house of
It struck my lungs, narrowed my airways and
cards. Why? Student life, stress, moving to a new
brought with it wheezing, leaving me gasping for air
apartment, anxiety, among other factors were key
with pains in my chest, ribs and shoulders. You do
triggers. This was when I was first introduced to a
not want to imagine the pains.
nebuliser. My mother procured one for me because it became imperative for me to own one at the time.
As a young child approaching her teenage years, I
The nebuliser is quite expensive, different from an
did not understand what it meant to be asthmatic.
average inhaler and requires a prescription before
Initially, I was oblivious of what it was; but, my doctor and
parents
interventions
took I
me
had
to
through take
the
once
processes I
use.
and
experienced
The nebuliser provided quick relief because when the
respiratory discomfort. My inhaler was always with
medicine, which came in liquid form, was connected
me. I was in secondary school then and could not tell
to the machine, it was transformed into vapour and
my mates about my condition because I did not want
delivered directly to my lungs.
Page 9
If I had a mild attack or I sensed the symptoms of a coming attack early enough, then I could nebulise myself without any help. If not, I would need help setting
up
the
nebuliser.
With
the
nebuliser,
the
number of hospitalizations declined. Another inhaler was added to my prescription. At this point, I was using
an
Agonist
inhaled
(LABA)
Long-Acting
with
a
Beta
Corticosteroid
Adrenergic daily,
and
a
Short-Acting Beta Adrenergic Agonist (SABA) inhaler whenever I had an attack. I used my nebulizer when I was at home as it was electric.
I was made to understand that corticosteroids were to be my daily meal to keep my airways from getting
Since
inflamed.
the
have been left wondering if the end has come for
I
religiously
followed
up
with
the
outbreak
of
the
COVID-19
pandemic,
I
attacks
me. Asthmatics and diabetics are predisposed to the
reduced from weekly to once or twice monthly and
virus (Coronavirus). I fear death. At some point, I was
later
willing
to
status.
My
prescription
and
once
in
4-6
the
frequency
months.
The
of
the
improvement
was
tremendous.
go
run
the
trigger
COVID-19
this
time
test
was
to
know
emotional.
I
my was
anxious all the time. I blocked my ears to the news In November 2016, something terrible happened. I
on
the
number
of
cases
and
the
death
toll.
almost died that day. Hence, it is one day that I will
Asthmatics have a low chance of survival because
not forget in a hurry. I was in my room when the
when we fall ill, we do it with gusto.
attack came. It was severe. My Salbutamol inhaler (SABA) failed me and I ran out of my room asking my
The nightmare came again during the early weeks of
friend to blow me air. I was choking and could not
the pandemic. With accompanying pains, it came,
breathe.
and my best weapon to fight it is the nebuliser. One actuation
I
kept
gasping
for
air
as
I
felt
life
slowly
after
some
minutes
of
struggling,
daily
of
a
Long-Acting
Beta
months.
away. Yet, my friend would not stop blowing the air, and
twice
Adrenergic Agonist keeps the nightmare away for
ebbing
things
normalised. The battle was fierce and intense, one of
Asthmatics know their triggers and this is imperative.
the
Possible
triggers
perfume,
emotions
most
deadly
fifteen
minutes
I
have
ever
witnessed in my life. I won that battle.
stress
and
low
are
dust,
(excitement,
temperature.
doctors’
smoke,
foul
anxiety,
Flee
appointments
from
smells,
sadness), them.
and
This
The picture above was taken on the first day of the
reduces
year 2020. I had scheduled a shoot days before the
hospitalizations. Also, stay true to your inhalers or
multiple
end of the previous year and, lo and behold, my
nebulisers, whichever you can afford to buy.
nightmare came visiting again. I postponed my shoot until I was well. This scene wasn’t planned for until I
We can live a full, lively and fun life. Know what anti-
stepped into the studio and told the photographer
asthma medication and inhalers work best for you. I
we needed to change plans. I wanted to show my
am living my life better now because I know how to
strength, my struggle to live, my pain and my miracle.
overcome my nightmare. You can do it, too.
Page 10
Ijeoma By Colette Ahamefula - PANS, Nigeria
E:Â coletteahamefula@gmail.com
I can't speak words My throat feels tight and absurd I'm lost in a mirage of colour But blinded by your false squalor
Not so long ago I was lost in a whirlpool Drowning and slipping on rungs of a cesspool Believing the words the prophets spoke Unbelievable and unattainable you'd croak
I was provoked by such righteous anger Boiling like molten magma You weren't my first, second or third But you were what I thought I'd need You called and I'd heed Like a siren's call on a tumultuous sea
We'd lay on the sand And dream dreams that were bigger than we planned We spoke lust filled promises in the dark And drank from wine dunked damask
You were my truth Even though we were green youths Listening to the strains of the adagietto All I feel are wisps of your echo
Your tables ready Bottoms up, my fair lady I swear by the waters of the styx As we dance in the soiree apiece Night bells are calling Goodnight to the fallen
Page 11
DRAWINGS
By Ezedigwe Godfrey - PANS, Nigeria
E: ezedigwegodfrey@gmail.com
Page 12
Dating in Medical School By Muganga Brian - UPSA, Uganda
E: brianmuganga6@gmail.com It was drizzling a little when I saw her come towards me. I saw her from a distance and it was as if there was some kind of electrostatic attraction and I was more electronegative than she. It was some kind of nucleophilic attack.
When she reached the spot where I was waiting, I started developing flu-like symptoms, increased gastric tone, and a sympathetic response with tachycardia and palpitations. My eyes instantly landed on her cute face which was shining like a cephalexin capsule that had just been polished by sodium hydroxide (NaOH).
She said, “Hey, Brian.” I greeted her back calmly. My heart was in an absolute
refractory
period
at
the
moment
and
I
was
only
concentrating on her upstairs. What made me go crazy was her smile which
was
analgesic,
almost
equipotent
to
morphine.
Honestly,
I
wanted to express my feelings for her as we walked slowly while talking and responding to each other.
The more we conversed, the more I developed the idea of taking her to a restaurant to get to know her better. Honestly, I wanted to act like her pacemaker. She is like a Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulant because she induces euphoria. The fact is I am a man who travels and walks
for
a
reason
and
everything
I
do
is
ambitious
but
I
was
persuaded to do so. She had all the names of all the restaurants in town in her encephalon while I only knew a few of them.
This made my heart skip a beat. However, we had to continue going because I was too fascinated by the way she spoke. Her words were powerful enough to reverse malignant tumours into normal cells. So, we reached the restaurant and it was time to make our order. She preferred a high protein diet (chips and chicken). I had to first peruse the menu so that the cost was proportional to the money in my pocket. I opted for liver and chips.
For sure, I felt comfortable being with her because her presence was anxiolytic. So, we started jazzing and continued learning about each other. I said to her, “Baby, can I be Adenine so that I can be bonded to U (uracil)?” All I wanted was to induce her smile, which suddenly came. At that moment, I could not imagine how strong the bond became, almost stronger than an ionic bond. We finished our meal and I cleared the bill after which we left the restaurant and continued conversing. My words were like electrons attacking her in the process...
Page 13
The beauty of modern medicine is that we have a pill for almost everything now. Do you want to lose weight? Get a pill. Do you want to lighten your skin? Get a pill. Do you want to have a longer memory span? Get a pill. However, have you ever wondered how our evolutionary compatriots, the nonhuman animals, get by in the face of pathogenic microbes and disease states?
Herbalists in the Jungle
Back in the 1980s, a scientist by the name of Michael Huffman discovered something that gave light to the above-mentioned
inquiry.
He
observed
sick By Learnmore Edwin Zvada - ZPSA, Zimbabwe
chimpanzees engage in unusual feeding habits at a research
facility
in
Tanzania,
and
set
out
on
a
mission to find out why. Huffman noticed that the sick after
chimpanzees consuming
showed a
plant
signs which
of
convalescence
was
outside
their
usual diet and had no known nutritional value.
Page 14
On inspecting their dung, it was observed that the
Some schools of thought support this assertion by
leaves came out unchewed, implying that the chimps
positing that animals teach their young which plants
were
or
deliberately
swallowing
them
whole
with
an
materials
to
use
and
when.
Along
with
that
intention other than routine nutritional requirements.
assertion is the concept of genetic variation which
Moreover,
favours animals that are healthier and ‘smarter’. So,
the
parasitic
chimpanzees’
load
after
dung
leaf
had
a
swallowing.
reduced He
later
those
animals
which
have
never
theorized that the chimpanzees recovered from a
themselves
their
parasitic disease by swallowing leaves of the plant,
along the chain of evolution.
learn
genes
how
recessed
to
treat
and
dying
Vernonia amygdalina (bitter pith) which acted as a scour to remove parasites from their stomachs. These
Animals
observations
features
and
conclusions
have
been
and
humans
which
share
can
common
allow
for
anatomical
extrapolation
of
corroborated by scientists from different fields and
medicinal knowledge in animals for use in human
the term ‘zoopharmacognosy’ was coined to explain
subjects.
this
animals such as chimpanzees have a 99% genetic
newly
discovered
science
of
animal
self-
medication.
Even
from
a
genetics
standpoint,
some
similarity with humans, making them our closest living relatives. Chimpanzees, rats and even baboons have
The
obvious
question
would
be,
how
did
animals
been
used
in
before they can be used in humans. In essence, the
metabolites from plants to remedy themselves, and
drug would be handled similarly in the human body
as humans, we do share some natural remedies for
and the animal body.
seek
out
and
drug
candidates
to
efficacy
new
secondary
known
their
of
illnesses
been
evaluate
trials
learn to medicate themselves? “Wildlife species with have
to
preclinical
toxicity
similar ailments and health conditions,” says Seema Bhattessa,
a
It is sufficing to note at this point that it is difficult to
Zoopharmacognosy Therapist. “Animals instinctively
observe these animal behaviours in a laboratory or in
know
controlled
how
nature’s
a
former
to
prime
pharmacy
to
pharmacist
and
now
their
immune
system
avoid
disease
or
using
lessen
the
severity should it occur.”
conditions
such
as
research
facilities,
which limits the validity of the evidence gathered thus far. Scientists are more or less limited to using circumstantial evidence to substantiate their claims. Due to the aforementioned, some schools of thought dismiss this phenomenon as a product of folklore and pop culture envisaging. It is, therefore, the job of the scientists rather,
to
to
demystify provide
these
evidence
misconceptions, to
validate
or
their
respective hypotheses.
Zoopharmacognosy
is
not
limited
to
plants
only;
animals have been observed to ingest or topically apply soils, insects and other material to reduce the This behaviour of self-medication in animals seems to
be
a
learned
behaviour
from
members
of
the
same animal species, and research suggests that it is part of the natural selection process. It seems like animals have gone through their own evolutionary process, one
of
honed
and those
over
the
knowledge
evolutionary
the
years
and
of
traits
self-medication that
passed
have
down
is
been
through
harmful effects of toxins and parasites. And since we have established that animals have similar genetics and anatomical features to human beings, and are also
exposed
to
the
same
pathogens,
Page 15
can
be
theorized that the same natural medicines used by animals can also be used by humans. This is actually backed
with
research.
For
instance,
the
African
elephant ingests leaves of a tree belonging to the Boraginaceae species to induce labour.
generations.
it
Women in Kenya and Tanzania have been known to
with drug resistance and shortages.
use the same plant to induce labour. Chimpanzees in the Ugandan forest of Bundongo eat the bark and
Moreover, with new and emerging zoonotic diseases
wood from the Splinter bean tree which is known to
wreaking havoc across the globe today, COVID-19
be
being one to quickly come to anyone’s mind, perhaps
a
source
sodium.
Yet
of the
a
key
same
physiological plant
is
electrolyte,
used
to
induce
our ‘friends’, the non-human animals, already have a
emesis(vomiting) and treat diarrhoea in some parts
solution.
of Ghana. Some do claim that our ancestors learned
through the jungle and show us the medicine, as it
about most medicinal herbs from observing animals
were. The scientific community and other interested
self-medicate.
parties have an important job here. At a time when the
They
world
is
are,
however,
shying
away
not
from
going
the
to
take
adverse
us
drug
However, a review of literature has indicated that
effects of synthetic medicine in favour of traditional
this
medicine,
phenomenon
Southern
Africa.
hasn’t There
is
been
studied
obviously
a
much
need
for
in a
perhaps
zoopharmacognosy
could
be
a
quicker way of expediting the discovery of new drug
homegrown solution to diseases that are endemic to
candidates
the region, and also modalities to solve issues with
affecting people.
Page 15
to
do
away
with
various
illnesses
POSTERS
By Annagrace Malamsha
E: annagrace1704@gmail.com
Page 16
Learnmore Edwin
Emptied
You come to me one winter morning
So, we take the readings to the butcher
Floating on the high seas like an empty vessel
Who has seen much weighing in his day
To fill me up with your emptiness
He certifies you empty as an ocean wind
Till we start sharing empty talk like little kids
And I am full of it like a sack of rotten tomatoes
Who seek not much sense in vernacular barvadage
We finally agree on a thing
We sit a head apart, our feet buried in the sand
We can’t afford to live apart any longer
A soulful melody issues from your pink radio Punctuated by sea-waves shuttling to and fro on the
We eventually wed in the broken cold room
open sea
And the butcher calls the carpenter
Our eyes lock onto this scenery
Who makes us wooden rings
As our hearts pair off to some notional realm
A passing marching band plays La Bamba
Where mortals converse only in gesticulations
We dance awhile to the foxtrot We empty ourselves to each other in song
For something to do
And it turns out we fit, like latex gloves
We start fighting over a nonsensical this and that Our collegial tussle spills down into our bellies
But summer comes and you start slipping away from
And how we ought to fill them
me
Eventually, we settle on a bream
I begin to wither, like a starved chicken
And like always, you take on the head as I nibble at
I want to tell you; I still need you to fill me up for all-
the fins
time
Appetites satiated; we belch out the contents of our
But you insist on leaving so I wave you goodbye
souls Onto the miniscule space between us
As the high seas swallow you up
We bag the effluence and load it on a scale
I become empty again, too empty to carry on
But we dissent over the outcome
So, I slip away in a night Never to be found, never to be buried
Page 17
Zvada
Dispirited Soul
You come down on me
Such a shame
With an incessant inrush of fists that disables my jaw
Equally shameful as you playing the sweet lover
The lips you used to kiss, darling, you have bruised
So, you brought me a birdie and a crocodile tear
The body you used to caress is defaced and mottled
You must be genuinely sorry, right?
Now you cannot even look at me without grimacing
Pardon my French, dear husband
Like you have tasted rotten buff in a coffee cup
Perhaps I have let my mouth run a little wild
I cannot afford the luxury of weeping
Though you smell like a pigsty
Not with our little Angel sitting on my lap
I will wrap myself around you with a smile and a kiss
I cannot let her see my pain
Under the relentless watch of your bloodshot eyes
I am her strength when she is weak
I will strip my soul and body
I am her ululation when she has aced her grades
So that you may feast and be done with your sexual
I am a mother, the strongest she knows
profanity
Uh-uh, I will not succumb to tears
My emotions will run wild but I will eventually put them down to sleep
If only you knew, darling
Hoping that my heart has withstood your piercing
How your fist dismantles my pride as a woman
vocabulary for one more day
How useless I feel when you call me names
Hoping that you brought me love instead of a
‘Retard, whore, uncultivated village girl!’
horsewhip
I take it all, silently, like a sheep before the shearers
Lest they bury me six feet under
Love…what a paradoxical phenomenon On which I hang my wedding vows Till I am long in the tooth
Page 18
Chronicles from the Future By Olabisi Victor Oluwaseun - PANS, Nigeria
E:Â oluwaseun36425710@gmail.com It is the year 2027. I am a final year student. My name is Victor. The sun is just rising, early on a Monday morning. Here I am, still in bed, so tired after all the events of the past few weeks. Despite this, I must get up, lest I miss the chance to see my project supervisor, who has been busy for quite some time. Two hours later, I'm almost done getting dressed. Suddenly, my mobile phone begins to vibrate: it is Emma, my friend. The tone in his voice suggests that all is not well. His words, "Come quickly to the Senate Building!" ring deep in my ears.
Like a zombie, I dashed out. In no time, I was standing right in front of the gigantic building. Taking a closer look, I noticed that a press briefing was underway inside. Besides, many students were unusually present. So many questions were begging for answers in my brain: What was going on? Did anyone die? Emma ran over to me, his face gloomy. He did not even greet me before spilling the beans, "The University's Student Council has been dissolved indefinitely!" His words hit me so hard, it felt like being hit by a ton of bricks. Momentarily, I slipped into a state of oblivion. How did we get here? Let me take you down memory lane.
Page 19
I was just a fresher, eighteen years old, quite full of
Power
was
abused
by
those
in
office,
tyranny
enthusiasm. It was time for the General Elections.
became a norm and so the Council was rendered
Oh, how excited I was to vote! I mean, who wouldn't
useless.
be? It felt good. I was finally feeling integrated into the political process. Well, it didn't take long for my
Sadly, this turned out to be a cycle. A vicious cycle
excitement to fade away. The day of voting came
of disunity and hatred. As time passed by, the power
and
had
struggle worsened, which meant that students were
quickly metamorphosed into a state of chaos. Some
prepared to do anything to get hold of it. So, on
unknown men came in to loot away the ballot box.
April 13, 2027, one of the aspirants scheduled to
My
contest
after
about
co-freshers
an
and
hour,
I
the
were
proceedings
perplexed.
This
was
in
the
upcoming
elections
was
killed
by
indeed a common thing in Nigerian politics, but we
unidentified men. News filtered in and thus, the Vice-
expected
Of
Chancellor
held
course, our naivety made us think that way. A senior
unanimous
decision
colleague
university
whom
politics
to
I
met,
later
he
said,
"Don't
be
was
emergency
meeting.
reached.
would
He
A
later
my
come out to announce the indefinite suspension of the Council. "Enough is enough!" I heard him say. He
Of
had done all he could to salvage the situation and
course, I did get used to it. After that incident, it did
now that a life had been claimed in the process, it
not seem like an issue to me anymore.
was time to dissolve the Students' Council.
when
these
normal
are
Looking
back
here,
over
the
you'll
years,
worry,
get
I
dismissed
an
like
perplexity
on,
different.
used
would
things to
it.�
admit
that
Tears trickled
from my eyes. It dawned on me, we
student politics in my university had been too heated.
had failed ourselves. We had failed our country. We
The
a
had allowed ourselves to be swayed by the thirst for
raging inferno, it destroyed everything in its path.
power
struggle
power, forgetting that the rightful impacting of lives
Many
was where the real power lies.
great
consumed.
was
a
relationships Like
a
fierce
and
culture,
one.
Just
friendships generation
like
were after
generation, seeds of discord and strife were sown
"Why
amongst students and the aftermath was a people
words
filled with bitterness against one another. I saw many
regained
vibrant
in
crowd had reduced and I had stood rooted to the
battles whose origin they never even knew. Some
spot for over thirty minutes. As we left the Senate
were completely lost in it. Compulsory enemies were
building, I sighed heavily and, talking to no one in
being
particular, I said, "It's high time for a revolution of the
young
men
made.
The
and
women
atmosphere
get
consumed
ended
up
being
extremely toxic.
are
you
jolted
crying? me
Let's
leave
to
reality.
back
consciousness
of
my
mind among the Nigerian youth."
Page 20
here..." By
the
Emma's time
environment,
I
the
The COVID-19 Outbreak and Nigeria's Transport Industry By Obinweke Uchechukwu - PANS, Nigeria
E: maryjudeuche@gmail.com
Coronavirus
disease
2019
(COVID-19)
is
a
21st-
This
is
because
schools,
offices,
churches
and
century infectious disease caused by the Coronavirus
marketplaces are not in operation and as such, there
which originated from Wuhan, China in 2019. From
is no need for the average Nigerian to visit these
there, it has spread to all the countries of the world
places.
and, as such, has been regarded as a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The
low
demand
in
the
population's
need
for
transport has led to a decreased need for the fuel In
Nigeria,
closure
the
and
virus
lockdown
has
the
used
to
power
transport
vehicles.
With
a
heavy
interest in the public mode of road transport, many commercial transport companies have been closed
for
essential
down because of the interstate lockdown, and the
services. Essential services here strictly apply to food
unwillingness of passengers to go contrary to the
and food ingredients, pharmaceutical products and
laid
petroleum resources. The transport industry, though
drivers of these commercial vehicles are temporarily
on lockdown, is a key requirement for the distribution
rendered unemployed.
in
the
all
in
government
involved
of
resulted
parastatals, including the transport industry, except organs
total
outbreak
provision
of
down
rules
guiding
this
period.
As
such,
the
of these essential services. Therefore, the outbreak of the Coronavirus has led to a partial lockdown of
At the onset of the virus outbreak, measures were
the
these
put in place to protect against the spread of the
transport
Coronavirus: commercial buses were mandated to
transport
essential
industry
services
are
in still
the
country,
distributed
as
by
means.
carry
only
a
limited
number
of
passengers
to
maintain the required level of social distancing and The transport industry is headed by the Ministry of
contain the spread of the virus. This, however, led to
Transport
an increase in the cost of transporting oneself from
and
encompasses
road
and
pipeline
transport, railway transport, water transport, and air
one
transport (supervised by the Ministry of Aviation). Due
transport companies. The effect is also seen in the
to
the
COVID-19
by
commercial
interstate
state. They are required to carry a limited number of
both international and national flight movement. The
passengers. As such, there is a hike in the price of
aviation sector provides about 0.4% of the nation’s
transport
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the contribution
energy (fuel) demand/consumption which led to a
is
fall in the price of the fuel, it didn’t in any way affect
risen
by
0.14%
have
other
public buses and tricycles which function within a
have
airports
the
been
to
all
to
closed and this has brought about a cessation of
reported
outbreak,
state
in
2019
as
via
this
route.
Considering
the
reduced
disclosed by the National Bureau of Statistics. With
the cost of transportation as tricycle and bus drivers
its closure, the national source of income through
still
this route is hindered.
persons
increased who
the
cost
must
of
their
commute
services.
take
to
Hence, trekking,
because they are not willing to pay exorbitant prices The hardest-hit sector in the transport industry is that
for their transport. There is also a reduction in the
of road transport, which is the most commonly used
number of vehicles seen on the roads because the
mode of transportation in Nigeria. A high percentage
bus and tricycle operators were not willing to toil the
of Nigerians commute to and from schools, offices,
entire
churches, markets, and more via this route. With the
passengers.
lockdown, all these movements have been brought to
depend
a halt.
rendered temporarily unemployed.
Page 21
day,
on
burning
up
Therefore, this
for
this
their
fuel
with
group daily
of
few
or
persons
bread,
are
no who also
Page 22
In summation, the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak
A good number of Nigerians are employed by the
on
transport
the
transport
industry:
the
low
demand
in
industry
and
are
seemingly
unemployed
passenger transport, reduced fuel/energy demand,
during this period of lockdown. This has led to a
and unemployment, have all led to a drop in the
massive increase in the crime rate in the country as
nation’s GDP, as a percentage of revenue generated
the ability to provide for oneself and one’s family has
is paid to the government. In some states of the
been taken away from a good number of persons
federation, the tax payable by the transport workers
who were employed by the transport industry. Some
has been waived and, as such, there is no income
have resorted to crime to help themselves. People
generated via this route, either. The nation is at a
are living in fear of what might happen if they leave
loss as a result of this.
the house in search of food and those who do not leave the house are also in fear of being attacked in
Consequently, the transport industry is faced with a
their
lot of challenges, chiefly that of the provision of fuel
involved in crime. Businesses are closed and people
needed
in
fear that their business premises might be looted of
the
all they contain by this group of persons who have
to
power
transportation.
the
Essential
vehicles
goods
are
involved always
on
move, and the persons responsible for the provision
houses
by
these
persons
who
chose
to
get
been rendered jobless.
of these essential goods are also in dire need of transportation.
Therefore,
notwithstanding
the
Notwithstanding all that has befallen the country and
effects of COVID-19 on the transport industry, the
the transport industry due to the COVID-19 outbreak,
fuel must be provided.
Nigerians have become more aware of the need for social distancing and so there is a high probability
With
the
lockdown
taking
place
in
almost
all
that
when
all
this
ends,
people
will
still
avoid
countries of the world and international businesses
crowded places and the use of public transport. It is
on hold, we are at a loss. Unluckily, Nigeria depends
therefore imperative that the roads be decongested.
on other countries to buy, as well as to refine, its
This
crude oil. As such, she is greatly affected as she
routes for the masses to get to their places of work,
depends on already refined fuel within the country.
business and school. Very little is known about the
Nigeria is unable to provide the fuel she needs by
railway as a means of transportation unlike in some
herself, and, with the reduction in the demand for
developed countries. This can be employed and be
the crude oil, Nigeria will, sooner rather than later,
put to maximum use by the people, not just for the
be
transportation
operating
at
a
loss.
Due
to
the
decreased
demand for the crude oil, which could lead to a stall
can
be
made
of
possible
by
cargo/goods,
creating
but
alternate
also
for
the
transportation of people.
in mining operations, coupled with the lockdown, the country is in grave danger of being unable to provide
In
the
event
of
another
global
lockdown,
Nigeria
the necessary fuel needed to keep industries, and in
should make efforts to diversify its economy, as this
particular the transport industry, running.
lockdown has greatly affected our major source of revenue, crude oil. Nigeria should, therefore, build
The air, water and road transport operations bring in
adequate and functional refineries so that we can
billions of Naira as revenue for the country. With the
refine our oil and produce enough fuel, which is a
shutdown of operations, the country is losing in two
great
ways:
transport industry. This reduces the cost of importing
losing
out
on
international
trade
and
the
requirement
for
the
functioning
of
the
revenue it generates via international businesses as
refined oil to the nation and as well as boosts our
well as on national/ local trade revenue generation.
economic growth. The cost of purchasing this fuel by
There is a great threat of half or no payment of the
the
airport staff in the coming months as one of the
general public for use in transportation would also
international airports has been under renovation for
be
months preceding the onset of the lockdown. This
access to all of these commodities at a low cost. This
has led to a suppression of the activities going on in
would also lead to the employment of millions of
the airport because it is unable to accommodate
Nigerians and thus a reduction in the national crime
flights.
rate.
With
recession
is
this
stall
inevitable
in
economic
and
a
major
activities, fall
in
a
the
country’s GDP is unavoidable.
Page 23
commercial
reduced
and
transport
the
companies
average
man
and
would
the
have
If I Could Only Care By Andrew Albert - TAPSA, Tanzania
E: andrewalbert302@gmail.com We are here, people crying, Another grave, they are digging, People and relatives are cursing, Cause I was there when you were dying.
I’m also very sad, "It’s hypocrisy," someone said Cause I could prevent that overdose, Only if my care was not worse.
To prevent this was possible, Cause medicine to you was affordable, Due to resistance no longer attachable, To return you is no longer possible.
To inform you was my responsibility, Proper use of drugs to insist, But I left you, to predict, So I put your health on probability.
I could tell you the importance of adherence, I left you until the drugs got resistance, To say I’m sorry now does not have importance, Cause I already caused wastage.
I feared a doctor, who prescribed badly, I could tell him to alter, soon and immediately, I could tell him faster, But I was thinking slowly, I waited until after, now you passed away.
When you want to tell, Therapeutics is going to fail, Drugs no longer heal, Sorry, yellow forms I no longer fill.
People are getting sicker, Some loose in finance, Some being disabled, And others rest in peace.
All these because of my mistake, You can blame me I insist, Cause I have failed to assist, Blame on me, an irresponsible pharmacist.
Page 24
Is Marijuana Safe? By Joy Francis - PANS, Nigeria
E: joyfran03@gmail.com
Weed, Pot and Mary Jane are a few of the many street names by which Marijuana is commonly known. Marijuana is obtained from the shredded and dried flowers, leaves, seeds and stems of the plant
Cannabis
sativa.
Marijuana
is
a
greenish-grey
mixture
consumed
in
various
ways.
It
is
sometimes hand-rolled into cigarettes known as joints or blunts, then smoked. Other times, it is formulated as brewed teas or edibles in the form of foods and pastries, or as vaporizers for people who prefer not to inhale the smoke.
The
active
chemical
ingredient
in
marijuana
is
delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol
(THC),
which
is
responsible for its mind-altering ability. THC is highly concentrated in the dried flowers and buds of the Cannabis plant. When marijuana smoke is inhaled, the THC rapidly moves from the lungs to the brain and other organs, transported by the bloodstream. The THC acts on specific receptors in the brain called cannabinol receptors, which commence a chain of cellular reactions resulting in feelings of euphoria referred to as the ‘high’ experienced by users. Other emotions felt are relaxation, anxiety, paranoia and heightened sensory perception.
Marijuana is used medicinally and recreationally. There are prescription medicines which contain synthetic cannabinol (THC). Dronabinol is a pharmaceutical form of THC while Nabilone is a synthetic cannabinoid; both are approved by the United States Food and Drug Agency (FDA) to treat certain conditions. They are approved to treat patients receiving anti-cancer medicine who experience severe nausea and vomiting, particularly patients who do not respond to other treatments. Other uses treatment of the weight loss associated with anorexia in patients with AIDS, glaucoma and severe pain (particularly in form of hash oil). Marijuana is used recreationally and in religious and spiritual activities because of its mind-altering and euphoric properties.
There is a debate over how safe marijuana is, with some claiming that it is safer than alcohol while others maintaining the position that marijuana causes more harm. Although marijuana is an illicit drug in many places, it is getting legalized across several states in the United States of America (USA) for both recreational and medicinal use. Data obtained from studies carried out showed that despite its illegal status, marijuana is commonly used among members of the 18-25 years age group, many of whom do not view regular marijuana use as harmful.
Page 25
The effect of regular use of marijuana can be felt in every aspect of human life. Marijuana smoke, when inhaled, affects the function of the cerebellum. The cerebellum is the part of the brain that controls balance and coordination. Hence, distortion of its function can lead to
slower
reaction
time,
impaired
judgement
and
problems
responding to sounds and signs. Marijuana use before and during driving and operating large machinery is, therefore, very dangerous.
Second-hand smoking of marijuana poses a health risk, especially to infants
and
children.
Additionally,
the
accidental
poisoning
of
children and infants by edibles such as brownies, chocolate and cookies
can
development
occur. in
The
children,
exposure and
leads
frequent
to
abnormal
exposure
over
brain
extended
periods during childhood can have negative effects on their learning, memory, attention and problem-solving abilities.
Furthermore, the regular use of marijuana causes the development of the problem known as Marijuana Use Disorder, which, in severe cases, takes the form of addiction. Marijuana Use Disorder is often associated with dependence, which occurs when the brain adapts to a large amount of the drug thus reducing the production of and sensitivity to its endocannabinoid neurotransmitter. Marijuana Use Disorder becomes an addiction when the person cannot stop using the drug, even though it interferes with the main aspects of his/her life, and the negative effects it has on their health and social life are evident. Withdrawal symptoms following an attempt to quit are also evidence of addiction. The symptoms include irritability, mood and sleep disorders, decreased appetite, cravings, restlessness and/or other various forms of physical discomfort. Marijuana addiction treatment is said to be difficult due to the early and lengthy duration of the withdrawal symptoms.
Moreover, marijuana is said to have a gateway effect, in that its use is likely to pave the way for the use of other mind-altering substances. A study conducted showed that adults who used marijuana were more likely than adults who did not to develop an alcohol use disorder within three (3) years, and those who already used marijuana and had alcohol use disorder were at greater risk of their alcohol use disorder worsening. Another substance use disorder linked to marijuana is nicotine addiction. However, some people do not cross over to use other substances. Many other factors come to play besides the person’s biological mechanism, of which the most important is the person’s social environment because their subsequent social interactions with others who use drugs increase their chances of trying other drugs.
Regular marijuana use also has effects on the social, academic and professional life of the user. Negative effects on attention,
memory
and
learning,
which
last
days
to
weeks
depending
on
the
person’s
drug
use
history,
are
experienced with regular marijuana use. Therefore, someone who smokes marijuana daily may be functioning at a reduced intellectual level most of the time. Research and surveys carried out suggest that students who smoke marijuana
have
poorer
educational
outcomes
than
their
non-smoking
peers.
Regular
marijuana
use
among
adolescents has shown a higher chance of developing dependence, using other drugs and attempting suicide. Further studies have linked heavy marijuana use to a lower-income, greater welfare dependence, unemployment, criminal behaviour and decreased life satisfaction.
There are very many health risks linked to the use of marijuana. Short-term effects include: increased heart rate, low blood
pressure
(orthostatic
hypotension),
muscle
relaxation,
slowed
digestion,
dizziness,
dry
mouth
and
eyes,
increased appetite, agitation, anxiety, confusion, panic, paranoia, difficulty in thinking, memory and problem solving, and distorted perception (sights, sounds, time and touch).
Page 26
There are long term effects on different organs in the body: The Brain: Brain imaging scans of heavy marijuana smokers have revealed changes in blood flow to parts of the brain involved in memory and attention. Also, a difference in the size and shape of the thalamus (the part of the brain involved in consciousness and information processing) was noticed. A data survey showed that a lifetime of exposure to marijuana was associated with lower scores on a test of verbal memory. Some studies have also linked marijuana use to a decline in Intelligence Quotient ( IQ) scores. However, disagreement arises as other factors contribute to a decline in IQ such as genetics, environment, the age of first use as well as the frequency of use. Regular use of marijuana is said to increase the risks of developing psychosis, delusions and hallucinations, particularly when there is genetic vulnerability. The Heart: Mittleman, et al, in a study carried out, suggested that the risk of a heart attack may increase by up to 4.8 fold in the first hour following marijuana use. Hence, patients with a history of heart diseases such as high blood pressure, arrhythmias or other cardiac diseases have a higher risk of experiencing heart attacks. The risk of stroke is also increased. The Lungs: Marijuana smoke has been found to contain as many of the same cancer-causing chemicals found in tobacco cigarette smoke such as nitrosamines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, vinyl chlorides and phenols. It is also said that marijuana smoke contains 50 – 70 % more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco smoke. Marijuana smoke is an irritant to the lung. People who inhale it frequently often present with similar respiratory problems as tobacco smokers, ranging from the daily cough and phlegm to the potential risks of developing symptoms of chronic bronchitis and pneumonia. A study published in 2013 in Cancer Causes & Control showed that heavy MJ smoking might raise the risk of lung cancer, as marijuana smoke is inhaled deeper and held for longer leading to four times the deposition of tar compared to cigarette smoking.
There are situations where some persons opt to consume marijuana in food by baking it in brownies and other foods to spare themselves the lung effects. This, however, does not make it safe. It takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour for the effects of ingested marijuana to be seen because the drug has to pass through the digestive system, and significantly less THC is delivered into the bloodstream as compared to when inhaled. Due to this, people may accidentally consume more THC than they intend to.
Following the recent legalization of marijuana for personal medical use in some places, marijuana use has spiked. Although marijuana has valid medical uses, further research needs to be carried out for more concrete evidence, because the regular use of marijuana comes with a gateway effect which could lead to addiction and could further lead to more dangerous forms of drug abuse as well as health and social risks.
Page 27
By Macdonald Ikaraoha
E: ikaraohamacdonald@gmail.com
Page 28
By Okonmah Esther C - PANS, Nigeria
E:Â estherokonmah2@gmail
Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth. So, I brought my curiosity, eagerness and rumbling stomach along on this trip...
Page 29
I
woke
up
that
morning
with
a
rush
of
excitement.
It
was
Monday, October 21st, 2019. On super exciting mornings like this, it was difficult settling food in my stomach. The University of Benin Chapter of the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students (PANS), Edo State, Nigeria, had organized a plethora of events to mark her annual health week, and today was for the
incredible
health
outreach
to
the
Uhuogua
Internally
Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Edo State, Nigeria.
Being
in
my
second
year
with
minimum
health
outreach
experience, I was intrigued by the opportunity to partake in it as a volunteer. I had to attend a series of training sessions initially organized
by
my
senior
colleagues
in
pharmacy,
mostly
in
conjunction with the Anti Drug Misuse and Abuse Programme (ADMAP)
and
Federation taught
the
(IPSF)
us
how
International
Pharmaceutical
representatives.
to
carry
out
The
simple
training
rapid
Students
sessions
tests
such
had
as
for
malaria parasites and the Widal test for typhoid as well as checking vitals such as the blood pressure, pulse reading and Body-
Mass
Index
for
accurate
dispensing
of
drugs
and
pharmaceutical care in our student capacity.
We also revised important health topics and vital sign values together.
Topics
importance
of
communicable
such
health and
as
those
checks
non-
on
and
personal
the
communicable
hygiene,
awareness diseases
of
alike
the
some were
covered. I had never been to an IDP camp and I was elated at the thought of volunteering, which I had always looked forward to. What's more? Even as a student, I was learning to advocate for
achieving
the
World
Health
Organization's
Sustainable
Development Goal 3: Good health and Well being. As a young student pharmacist, this opportunity was huge! I would not miss it for anything. Even if it meant my stomach making rumbling sounds like this when I'm very hungry. I had brought my curiosity, eagerness and rumbling stomach along on this trip. Just like Muhammad Ali said, "Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth." So, at about 10 am, these passionate pharmacy student volunteers (ahem, my young self included) set off to pay some rent in an IDP camp that played host to over two thousand persons.
Page 30
It was a pleasantly unforgettable journey. We arrived at the camp in about six white buses. When we alighted in our dazzling white overalls, I could sense the air of pride in the profession around me. I quickly waved the sense aside. "Focus, Esther!" I said in my head. It
was
really
immediately.
sunny
The
and
camp
the
was
a
warm very
air
greeted
spacious
us
almost
compound
with
several structures, trees that were evenly spaced and a large football field sitting in the middle. A row of kiosks was visible some metres towards the left of the field and the grasses were unevenly patterned. I walked a few metres away from where we parked, trying to absorb as much of the thrilling view as I could. There were people! Lots of people ranging from the adult males sitting in
small
groups
around
the
community
mosque
opposite
the
parking lot, I even smiled and waved a little at their direction, to some
children
playing
around
the
field
while
the
open
kiosk
owners chatted happily as they went about their business.
We walked towards the shade provided by some trees to set up our outreach canopies and began arranging seats. We set up small dispensing and counselling sections, a rapid test and vitals check section amongst others. I watched as our senior colleagues were warmly welcomed by representatives of the camp and they assured us that the community had been well informed of our arrival. I could see shabby small buildings some distance away from where we stood with signboards in front of them. I could even see the seeming 'residential' areas with clothes-lines and big cooking pots from where I stood. I suddenly had a rush of mixed feelings in my gut. Was it pity? Devastation? Anger? Hunger?
We were quickly divided into groups to function in each of the units we had earlier set up. I volunteered to teach the junior school students in the camp some of the topics we had previously revised. As my volunteer unit walked towards the school buildings, I noticed I was not the only one so excited. A lot of my friends were already taking photographs of the environment and formed little groups while they chatted away happily. We shared ourselves into teams of six persons for each of the classes while selecting the topics we were going to anchor.
Page 31
My
teammates
classes
and
and
we
I
entered
one
of
were
greeted
with
a
the
Junior
thunderous
chorus chant of "Good morning, Seniors!" from over
"I'm Fatima and I want to be a pharmacist when I grow up!" said the last of them. I laughed heartily as I gave each of them a high-five.
a hundred pairs of eager eyes in one class. We each replied
warmly
and
implored
them
to
sit.
I
was
nervous at first but the feeling quickly changed to amazement.
I
was
amazed
at
how
eager
and
attentive these kids were while we taught on the importance of personal hygiene to young teenagers. I walked between the aisles formed by the column of seats while I watched a few of them scribble things down, even those who sat so comfortably on the ground as there were no more seats. That knotting feeling in my gut was back. "How can these kids learn anything while having to sit on the floor?" I thought. I met the gaze of one of the kids and she smiled shyly. I smiled back.
After
our
brief
session,
it
was
time
to
entertain
questions and so many eager hands were already up. We sadly had to attend to only a couple of them to
enable
the
young
kids
to
prepare
for
"Well, can I please take a picture of all of you together?" I asked, still smiling.
a
"Yes!" They all agreed amidst the giggling. I laughed
prescheduled test. "What do I have to study if I want
again
to
calmly
friends. My stomach rumbled, again! This time I knew
whispered. I looked down and I was greeted by a
this was not hunger. We had set off just to pay some
pair of inquisitive eyes. I was still by the corridor of
rent. However, volunteering for me now took on a
the classroom away from my colleagues after our
whole new meaning -- positively inspiring hearts and
session
I
impacting lives while at it. I now look forward to
stooped while I tried to explain to her in a way she
opportunities like these every chance I get. It made
would
me
be
more
a
nurse
with
when
the
her
grow
children.
understand. of
I
Soon,
a
smiled
we
were
genuinely
as
surrounded know
commit,
even
couple
as
a
of
pictures
student
of
my
new
pharmacist,
to
my capacity. The experience left me with a souvenir
"How
of warm memories and a commitment! Oh no. Not
causes
to
a
thing or the other. "What's the cause of eczema?: what
trying
by
took
improving the quality of life of people around me in
cancer,
each
voice
I
one
about
classmates
I
up?"
as
cancer?"
I
was
impressed. I grinned widely and wondered at how smart
these
kids
were.
As
if
she
could
sense
the rumbling sound again!
my
thoughts, the little missy who approached me first smiled
back
at
me,
again.
After
digesting
their
questions and providing satisfactory answers to the
Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth. So, I brought my curiosity, eagerness and rumbling stomach along on this trip...
young children, I now wanted to know their names.
Page 32
By John Method - TAPSA, Tanzania
E: methodjk211@gmail.com
POSTERS
Page 33
Page 34
SGNIWARD By Muhluri Wisdom Makaringi - SAPSF, South Africa
E: muhlurimakaringi@gmail.com
Page 35
By Muhluri Wisdom Makaringi - SAPSF, South Africa
E: muhlurimakaringi@gmail.com
Page 36
Sigh! What was wrong with who I was? I looked into the mirror of everyone's criticism and saw the reflection of my mediocrity and inadequacy. Was I just bare with no trace of refinement?
I never sought for change but society wanted to make me elegant and accepted so I had to conceal the identity of my true self with this make-up of hypocrisy.
Pardon me. It's not my outward appearance I changed. But rather my inward originality that harboured safely in who I am(was). It felt serene until the invasion. As being myself only triggered attacks of dislike towards me.
Now it only matters whom I impress and please, as far as I imprison authenticity and keep it from release. This is who I have had to become. I had to fit in and so my originality had to succumb.
Being
an
outcast
felt
lonely.
And
wanting
to
fit
into
society's
definition of normal, I've had to inject my characteristics and mutate them with these genes of false identity. Indeed I have changed!
I never wished to change but wishes don't come true, do they? So I tried it, tried to be my own fairy god person.
Trying to fly from everyone's rejection of my acceptance, but my flight never made it. Because I got missing in the Bermuda Triangle of society's ridicule and till date, my originality remains a lost part of
With who I am now I can only ask myself this, is this who I am, is this me? Is this who I am, is this how I should be?
Carefully, critically, I again stand in front of a mirror. I observe my newly acquired features through this mirror of self-actualization and see an unrecognizable image that has no trace back to my true self
DERETTAHS
my being.
By Joel Abakah
E: joelabakah1@gmail.com
lineage.
And like the mirror in snow white, this mirror cannot lie. And as I tried to force this reflection of 'perfection' from its uncompromising view, it shattered. Unable to bear the sight of my cloaked authenticity.
Maybe if I knew that rejection could be acceptance, that dislike was just a misunderstood like that fitting in sometimes did make loose. Then maybe I could have avoided my long threaded tragedy.
Why couldn't I be me? Why shouldn't I be myself? My good and unique self. I just wasn't... now I'm shattered. Sigh!
Page 37
By Novatus Ching'oro - TAPSA, Tanzania
E: novatuschingoro@gmail.com
Page 38
Page 39
Page 40
What you should know before using drugs
’
The drug s effects on fetus during pregnancy By Samuel Habineza - RPSA, Rwanda
E: hbnzsml@gmail.com
Pregnancy is the period from conception to birth and
Some
is
pregnancy,
divided
into
three
trimesters.
Almost
every
medicines
may
cause
premature
birth
birth,
defects,
infant
death,
or
developmental
medication before and during pregnancy. Drugs that
contribute
are taken by the mother cross the functional unit
including,
between the foetal and the maternal blood, named
Antidepressants,
the placenta, and reach the developing fetus.
Derivatives,
Antihypertensives,
Anticoagulants
and
Non-steroid
Anti-Inflammatory
Drugs
and
Not all medicines are safe to take during pregnancy.
such
but
effects not
in
a
limited
drug
of
pregnant woman will face the decision about taking
to
disabilities. Numerous
loss
developing
foetus
to
Antibiotics,
Anticonvulsants,
Vitamin
(NSAIDs)
should, therefore, be taken with caution.
Page 41
groups
According to the United States Food and Drug Agency (FDA), drugs used in pregnancy are classified into five (5) categories based on their degree of causing risks. The categories are A, B, C, D and X.
Drug category A: These taken
by
a
large
medications have been
number
of
pregnant
women
without any proven increase of birth defects,
Drug category B: taken
by
a
The medications have been
limited
number
of
pregnant
women, not enough to qualify the drugs as safe.
Drug category C: but
the
Their effects may cause risk,
potential
benefit
may
outweigh
the
potential risk.
Drug category D: These drugs are likely to cause birth defects, however, the health benefit may outweigh the risk.
Drug category X:
They
have
a
high
risk
of
causing birth defects and are contraindicated during pregnancy
The potential factors for placental drugs transfer The potential for harm to the pregnancy and foetus depends on the type of medication taken, how it is taken, the size of the dose, how often it is taken, other drugs that are taken concurrently and physical characteristics of the placenta.
List of medications to take with caution Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) Most
of
these
drugs
like
ibuprofen,
aspirin
and
diclofenac are pregnancy category C in the first two trimesters
of
pregnancy.
These
agents
are
recommended with utmost caution during the last trimester problems
of
pregnancy
in
the
due
mother
to
or
its
likely
foetus,
as
bleeding well
as
complicating or prolonging delivery.
Antidepressants drugs Generally,
antidepressants
should
be
used
with
caution due to their tendency to cause birth defects. For example, Paroxetine can cause foetal cardiac malformations
and
is
classified
by
the
FDA
as
pregnancy category D, therefore should be avoided during pregnancy, unless the benefit outweighs the risk.
Page 42
Drug use during pregnancy or in women planning to get pregnant is widespread and can negatively affect the foetus as well as the mother in numerous ways, including interfering with normal fetal development, damaging the foetus’ organs, damaging the placenta and putting the foetus’ life at risk, increasing the risk of miscarriages.
Seek advice from a healthcare professional before using these products to determine whether the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.
Antiepileptic drugs (Anticonvulsants)
Anticoagulants
Pregnant women with epilepsy should consult health
Warfarin
professionals
antagonizing the action of vitamin K. If taken during
Different
concerning
antiepileptic
Benzodiazepines,
taking drugs
Valproate
their like
and
medication. Barbiturates, Lithium
is
pregnancy,
are
an
foetal
anticoagulant
warfarin
that
syndrome,
acts
as
well
by
as
spontaneous abortion or stillbirth may occur.
classified as FDA pregnancy category D drugs and are not recommended during pregnancy.
Misoprostol A
Anti-hypertensive drugs Captopril
and
Converting
Enalapril
Enzyme
mucous
producing
Prostaglandin
E1(PGE1)
analogue, Misoprostol is prescribed as a treatment known
(ACE)
as
inhibitors
Angiotensinshould
for
be
peptic
ulcer
diseases.
It
induces
uterine
contractions if taken during pregnancy, which can
avoided in pregnant women due to their effects of
result in an unexpected abortion.
causing birth defects and fetal demise.
Anti-infective drugs Vitamin A derivative
Human
Oral isotretinoin, commonly known as Accutane, has been
used
successfully
in
patients
with
beings
are
greatly
exposed
to
various
infections caused by microbes among other causal
severe
agents of infectious diseases that influence them to
nodulocystic acne. This Drug interferes with normal
initiate drug therapy. Some viral infections are highly
embryonic development hence should not be given
linked with congenital anomalies, growth restrictions,
during pregnancy.
premature
delivery
and
potential
embryotoxicity.
Efavirenz, an antiviral agent, should be avoided in the
first
trimester
of
pregnancy
and
in
women
planning to get pregnant due to its negative effect on the foetus.
Page 43
SGNIWARD By Themba Rihlampfu - SAPSF, South Africa
E: thembarf42@gmail.com
Page 44
By Themba Rihlampfu - SAPSF, South Africa
E: thembarf42@gmail.com
Page 45
By Themba Rihlampfu - SAPSF, South Africa
E: thembarf42@gmail.com
Page 46
Pharmacy education in
covid19 between a rock and a hard place By Jide Babayeju - PANS, Nigeria
E:Â jidebabs8@gmail.com
So many questions and more, but deep down, we all know the answer.
T
he Coronavirus pandemic has affected all activities,
and
the
education
sector
has
slowly picking up, the educational sector sadly remains
education Tertiary
The has
big also
institutions
pharmacists
pause
affected
are
(except
coronavirus
not
for
pharmacy
able
those
has
put
most
on
countries,
and
with
the
the
healthcare
minute
system
but
is
irrefutable
the
frontline
healthcare
professionals,
the
need
for
more pharmacists has never been more apparent.
education.
to
churn
who
were
out
new
awaiting
From hospital ward and community pharmacy rounds to
long
laboratory
hours
instilled
in
the
pharmacy
curriculum, can all this be done effectively on Zoom or
induction before the onset of the pandemic).
other Pharmacists are key members of any healthcare team. With our knowledge centred on and around drugs, it makes a special case that we are as important as any other member of an interdisciplinary health care team in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) more than ever in this pandemic.
African
overstretched
morbidity and mortality rate of the coronavirus among
been the worst hit. While other sectors are
stagnant.
In
video
conferencing
applications
that
have
become unequivocally popular during this pandemic? Bearing in mind that dry labs do little to no teaching compared
to
hands-
on
practical
activities
in
the
laboratory, can these platforms serve as a true test of knowledge
for
examinations?
Continuous Can
we
Assessment produce
pharmacists via online learning?
Page 47
Tests
and
well-rounded
Page 48
What Can Pharmacists Do to Curb Drug Abuse in Society? By Hope Mufaro Mashavakure - AfRO Blogger 2019-2020
E: hmashavakure@gmail.com
Prescription drug abuse is a modern-day disease. Prescription drugs are the medicines prescribed by physicians to patients to treat various diseases. They are very safe if they are used properly. Research has shown that many prescription drugs are being abused, leading to a rise in a need to find a solution to this problem. The best way to get rid of this is to work with healthcare professionals who are in direct contact with the people who abuse drugs. Pharmacists as health professionals are the most accessible and are well-positioned to help prevent and treat substance use disorders. They should prepare themselves to perform these functions.
disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is
difficult
to
control
despite
its
detrimental
consequences.
Pharmacists can serve as the first line of defense in the fight against addiction. They can participate in Prescription
Drug
Pharmacists
against
Monitoring drug
Programs
abuse
(PDMPs).
should
establish
digital databases that help track the dispensing of controlled substances across the nation. It will be a helping tool for pharmacists seeking new ways to spot drug-seeking behaviors.
Pharmaceutical companies can also work within their research highly
systems
addictive
to
come
drugs.
up
These
with
alternatives
companies
can
to
also
Problems associated with drug abuse are becoming
work together with hospitals to develop educational
more complex, causing individuals to be addicted to
systems so that post-surgery patients and doctors
more than one drug. Nowadays, it is often the case
understand
that
Against
a
person
combination.
uses
This
a
can
lot
of
different
further
intricate
drugs the
in
co-
the
Drug
risk
Abuse
of
such
(PADA)
drugs.
should
Pharmacists
also
schedules
establish
medication
synchronisation
existence of substance abuse and mental disorders.
pharmacists
coordinate
Substance abuse is the maladaptive use of illegal,
prescriptions on the same day each month. These
prescription, or over the counter drugs for purposes
programs will give pharmacists the chance to check
other than those for which they are meant to be
in with the patients.
patients’
in
pickup
which
of
their
used, which leads to clinically significant impairment. Another
way
in
which
pharmacists
can
curb
drug
counselling
and
Pharmacists can effectively bring change in the fight
abuse
against substance abuse. Awareness is the first step
educating
towards change. As a pharmacist, it is critical to
opioid
keep up to date on the latest federal statements and
patient about the risks of opioid overuse. Holding the
regulations, as well as treatment guidelines about
patient accountable to their course of treatment can
prescription and non- prescription drugs of abuse.
help
Pharmacists should initiate patient screening for the
thorough accounting of the person’s non-therapeutic
potential abuse of all drugs including prescription
drug use can mitigate drug interactions if the patient
medications. Addiction is a chronic primary and fatal
complies with the pharmacist’s counselling.
Page 49
in
society patients.
patient,
prevent
is For
through
example,
pharmacists
substance
to
should
abuse
the
chronic
enlighten
before
it
the
starts.
A
Although it might seem difficult to eliminate, pharmacists have a great opportunity to intervene to curb the problems of drug abuse that others may not have. It is very crucial to understand the importance of resisting drug abuse, especially among teenagers, so that a formidable future of the young generation may be assured.
Community
pharmacists
instructions
for
medication
taking
works
for
can their
their
help
patients
medication
conditions.
understand
along
with
Furthermore,
the
how
they
the
can
be
watchful for alterations of prescriptions. This makes the pharmacists serve as the first line of defense in recognizing problematic patterns in prescription drug use. Community pharmacies should also develop software and hotlines to alert other pharmacies in the nation when they detect deceptive prescriptions.
To curb drug abuse problems, pharmacists must ask patients about their use of illegal drugs as well as screen for dependence on these chemicals
for
therapeutic
concerns.
This
goes
in
line
with
pharmaceutical care that should be provided directly to the patients so that their quality of life may be improved. For example, cigarette smoke and nicotine are pulmonary irritants. Thus, pharmacists should screen patients receiving prescription medication for cardiovascular problems
for
unambiguous
tobacco information
smoking. about
Pharmacists
the
must
association
provide
between
their
tobacco use and their medical problems.
As more adolescents are turning from street drugs to prescription drugs
for
recreation
pharmacists
should
or
to
enhance
participate
in
public
academic education,
performance, especially
in
secondary schools and tertiary institutions. Pharmacists also need to be extra vigilant in supplying medicines either on prescription or over the counter and should be more aware of medicines’ potential to end
up
on
the
black
market.
For
example,
people
are
abusing
Alprazolam, which causes forgetfulness. Substance abuse is not only limited to opioids or benzodiazepines, but many agents are also misused,
especially
if
they
promethazine or quetiapine.
Page 50
have
a
sedating
profile
such
as
Page 51
Africa is, my land, my home, my mother, Where greatness is born, Where the first man learnt how to hunt and gather, Use sticks and stones to separate meat from the bones, Where the first fire sparked, Where Bibi taught the young girls how to preserve food without a refrigerator, Learned how to use cow dung and the sun rays as electricity generator, Where leaves and roots aren’t just used for food, But cure and remedies, Africa heals the body and soul through her hospitality, She feeds all the children of the earth with so much more, than maize and flour, But with love and humility, She opens her gates to endless possibilities, She nourishes my soul, with richness stored deep within her core, She melts me with the fire of her love which her love she pours Where Kilimanjaro stands and the Kalahari spreads, Africa is, not poor, not black, not lost or in lack, For her people wake before the sun rises from the East, And throughout the day they feast, Through struggle and birth pain,
MAMA AFRICA
She has given birth to the wisdom of forgiveness, through Nelson Mandela, Uhuru and Umoja through Mwalimu Nyerere’s sera, I am Africa, the strength of the elephant’s tusks, The roar made by the wild beasts, The beauty of the Egyptian pyramids,
By Erick A. Minja - TAPSA, Tanania
The great waters that engulf us on the East and on
E: minjaerick7@gmail.com
the West, The kind hearts of the people, We bless you Mama Africa, God bless you Mama Africa. Page 52
Mama, There are shades; Shades that could tag your beauty. But you do not let them define you, Do you? You make every shade beautiful. And make me love you even more.
- Elton Decker
Page 53
Write Me A Poem By Obongofon Etuk - PANS, Nigeria
E: obongofonjnr@gmail.com.com
Write me a poem, Let it flow with emotions and all your thoughts, Let each line dance in scattered stanzas, And the rhythm a confused notion of an hyperbole.
Write me a poem, Let each line set with laughter and break into tears. Tell
me
war
stories
of
how
the
victorious
never
conquered. Let your poem be a hymn for a mass burial.
Write me a poem, With each letter depressed like Mr Newman, Make it a sad poem beaming with laughter, Let her speak languages demented souls understand . Write me a poem, Tell stories of two little brothers, One named Peace the other named Violence, Say how the latter rose so mighty.
Write me a poem, With each stanzas frowning their face, Outline the tears tattooed on their cheek, Take note also to their laments when they sob.
Write me a poem, Stories of how love was murdered, Stories of charity begging for alms, Stories of justice blinded with hate.
Write me a poem, Provoke the thoughts left to lie, Again and again tell the havocs you see. Write me a poem would you?
Page 54
Stars By Caleb, NsikakAbasi James - PANS, Nigeria
E: nsikakabasicaleb@gmail.com
Little blobs of light Shining bright in the sky A million and more hues Birthing somethingbeautiful Some shining brighter than others
Little creatures that bring so much joy Precious jewels in the galaxy of nature A real reflection of hope
An explosive mashup of color and light The light of one helping to form another You are one I am one
I was twelve when i realized all I had was pink, My bags, clothes, shoes, books and even my ink.
Well, I stopped and asked. Why dolls for girls and cars for boys? Why boys go for blue and girls pink? Why dowry for her? Treating her like a thing,
Where
While he acts like her owner and her king.
Why the kitchen her home and she is
did it all
go wrong?
deprived of making wealth? Why the huge rift between gender? Yes! Nature has left me to ponder.
I stand to say, this is not fine! Why have we drawn such a line? By Osuoha Ngozi Rosemary - PANS, Nigeria
E: osuoharosemary@gmail.com Where is the world were women and men are treated equally? Where is the world were women are not treated with disrespect and sheer folly? Women are awesome,loving and never weak. She shouldn't be treated like she stays in the antique.
Page 55
The
Weddings By Keilah Bright - GPSA, Ghana
E: erica2018der@gmail.com
That day’s wedding ceremony was short but worth remembering. Even the birds attended that wedding Just that there was no trumpeter So the drummer beat his drum till we all rose And joined the lovely women who danced and shook their bums
There was pito and akpeteshie to choose from And tuozafi and fufu to fight for The elders ate and drank all the wine And pushed the koose for the children to eat And everyone went home singing in the local dialect
The next day’s wedding was long Yet the birds refused to stay This time the trumpeter came, blowing till our ears turned sore So the birds flew west to play in the open space And only the old lady who couldn’t hear danced at her very best
Everyone sat as they popped that drink which made a lot of foam Others queued for that food they called “Fried rice” The elders sat and watched and smoked their pipes And summoned the children to eat to their hearts content And everyone went home with some gossiping about the bride’s make-up
Page 56
The Highlights 9th IPSF African Regional Assembly
Page 59
AEP-Mali Best Association 2019-2020
Noah Sesay - NAPS-SL, Sierra Leone Best Contact Person 2019-2020
Yaw Asamoah Mfoafo - GPSA, Ghana Best Student Exchange Officer 2019-2020
TAPSA, Tanzania 10th IPSF African Pharmaceutical Symposium 2022 Host
9th IPSF African Regional Assembly 31st July - 3rd August 2020
Page 64
Members-in-Association
EPSA, Eswatini
CAPSA, Cameroon
AEPHARM, Guinea
AEP-Sn, Senegal
UNZAPHAMSA,
AEPHAN, Niger
Zambia
MUPSA, Uganda
COMPSA, Malawi
PHARMSA-UL, Liberia
Full Members
AESPHAB, Benin
CEP/UOB, Democratic
TAPSA, Tanzania
Republic of Congo
PANS, Nigeria
GPSA, Ghana
RPSA, Rwanda
AEP-Mali
CEPHARM, BUrkina
KEPhSA,Kenya
Faso
Full Members
SAPSF, South Africa
UPSA, Uganda
AEPHAT, Togo
NAPS -SL, Sierra leone
ZPSA, Zimbabwe
EBIV ORfA EHT
Page 68
Hello,
Receive warm greetings from the city under the sun!
Purity here and I must start by saying that this has been a beautiful journey; one that I would go back in time, 5 years ago, to take again. IPSF has taught me some of the most valuable life lessons and made me a better all-rounded person. It has been my
joy,
my
chaos
and
everything
in
between.
I
am
glad
I
embraced it all with open arms…including a pandemic. :)
I am most proud of my time in office as the Chairperson of the IPSF
African
Regional
Office.
There
has
been
tremendous
growth witnessed in the region over the past one year especially in regard to the new partnerships, the new projects and the new members that just joined us; that is Cameroon, Eswatini and Guinea. Seeing more and more countries join IPSF gives me so much joy and I can only hope that IPSF will expand further within the
African
region
and
reach
every
Pharmacy
student
and
recent graduate.
Looking epitome Regional
back, of
a
everything dream
Working
that
that
Group
we
achieved
worked worked
thanks
to
tirelessly
this
year
is
the
teamwork. The throughout
the
mandate to give you the best, to expose you to the best and to see you become your best! I am particularly grateful to all the IPSF
AfRO
Contact
Persons,
Student
Exchange
Officers
and
subcommittee members for their hard work, commitment and dedication to IPSF and IPSF AfRO. You gave the region an exceptional vibrance!
RWG 2019-2020 Certainly, all good things come to an end and this marks the end of the 2019-20 mandate. However, it is not the end of my IPSF journey. I am looking forward to my next role as the IPSF AfRO
Immediate
Past
Chairperson,
a
member
for
the
IPSF
Auditing Committee and a member of the IPSF Advisory Board over the next one year.
Lastly, I’d like to encourage every Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science Student toembrace the adventure that IPSF is! In case you haven’t said YES to IPSF, I hope that this first of its kind EMagazine encourages you to do so. It is a blend of talents that simply says, there’s much more to it than just being a Pharmacy student!
Purity Wambui, IPSF AfRO Chairperson 2019-2020
Page 69
Testimonials
It was an interesting journey and a great fulfillment to have contributed my little quota in furthering
IPSF
objectives
across
AfRO
sub-region
as
the
Regional
Secretary.
This
portfolio was accompanied with some challenges and great responsibility. However, One of my key driving force has always been my great passion and love for IPSF, Secretariat duties and PAN African spirit. Having held several Secretariat positions before emerging as the AfRO regional secretary, I have at least some first-hand experience as to some task involved in steering the administrative Secretariat like IPSF AfRO's. It was more or less like doing a something I would consider a hobby. However, this position has pushed me to grow beyond my initial thinking and also deepen my secretariat skills, and equip me for stronger challenges in the near future.
RWG 2019-2020
Testimonials
I especially had fun working with IPSF-AfRO because of the networking opportunities across the continent and beyond, and working with other very intelligent people within the group. We were able to achieve quite a lot due to the shared vision of the group. As a member of the Regional Working Group, you are expected to be meticulous and diligent at all times. I was so happy that many of the outgoing RWG exhibited such qualities at a very high level. So it was a smooth sail as everyone could see.
I have no doubt the incoming RWG would do much better by trying as much as possible to keep motivating our members and sustain the vibe
we
initiated
across
the
federation,
especially
francophone
countries, and deepen the partnership with FESPAO. I would also suggest the incoming RWG move more steadily towards integrating AfRO
prominent
local
communication.
I
so
communication
across
indigenous
much
languages
believe
the
region,
this
into
would
and
our
regional
greatly
enhance
more
inclusive
bring
participation. Another issue is sourcing and reaching out to external organizations for partnerships for future IPSF events. Also, I would love to see, in the future, a situation whereby IPSF AfRO would have a holistic record of all our members with names, numbers and all bio-data well archived accordingly. This particular data will go a long way in projecting AfRO to our possible partners and also enhance a deeper communication within the regional office. It will also engender brotherhood and provide future RWG with a pool of pioneers, leaders and alumni to call upon when needed.
Finally,
I
would
Presidents,
like
AfRO
to
teams
thank and
immensely the
entire
the IPSF
very
distinguished
Pharmily
for
this
CPs,
SEOs,
great
and
Chapter
wonderful
opportunity to serve the regional office. It was just like yesterday when it all began, and it now feels like it should never end. However, the end of a thing is inevitable in all human endeavours. Be rest assured that I will always cherish this great privilege for a very long time to come. My deepest appreciation goes to every single RWG member whom I have come to recognize as part of me. It was amazing working with such extremely smart individuals from the Chairperson: Ms Purity Wambui, RRO: Ms Emmanuella Nzeribe, RMPO: Mr Elton Vidal Francis Decker, RPO: Ms Lilian, IPC:
Mr. Othniel Nimbabazi and finally, Mr
Malatji Thabang, the AfPS 2020 Reception Committee Chairperson. My very committed and
diligent
Quality
Translations
and
Documentation
Subcommittee
members,
I
will
forever be indebted to you all for a massive job we were able to pull off together. You
Iyke Udenze IPSF AfRO Secretary 2019-2020
are
the
true
encouragement
MVPs.
Also,
throughout,
thanks
to
especially
predecessor, Mr Isaac Nii Ofoli Anang.
Page 70
all Ms
our
past
Alliance
leaders
Ishinwe
for
Stella
the and
support my
and
immediate
Wow, I can't believe it's been four years already since I came across IPSF. It has been an incredible journey with my biggest takeaways being a strong work ethic, skills and a
large
Pharmily
all
over
the
continent.
The
professionalism, passion and great commitment with which IPSF members execute their roles are incredible and it's been
amazing
seeing
our
predecessors transition
into
successful and diverse careers. New to IPSF? find your passion within the portfolios and give it your all, there is literally no negative effects!
RWG 2019-2020
Testimonials
Lilian Muthoni, IPSF AfRO Regional Projects Officer 2019-2020
Page 71
The Greek Proverb goes this way- “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in”. In our case, IPSF and AfRO have grown so much because of the hard work of those that came before us. I am glad that such a time as this, I have been part of the team contributing our quota to the growth and its time to let others continue. Serving the African Regional Office this mandate has been rewarding
and
at
the
same
time
an
amazing
opportunity.
Contributing towards the growth of AfRO both internally and
RWG 2019-2020
Testimonials
externally in various ways. We thank God that even amidst this pandemic, we are conquerors.
In no particular order, my appreciation goes to my amazing subcommittee
members,
who
upon
sharing
the
vision
with
them; saw the vision and ran with it – Ephraim Udokang, Mutesi Immaculate,
Isaac
Nii
Ofoli
Anang,
Qiniso
Zikhali,
Pascal
Mongane, Yaw Asamoah Mfoafo and Moussa Fofana. Heaven knows that all that was accomplished this year wouldn’t have been done without you all. Thank you! To my lovely CPs, SEOs, Presidents and members of the AfRO team; I appreciate your co-operation and their liveliness throughout the mandate. To the Regional working group of 2019/2020, thank you so much for your consistency and support. I also appreciate both the internal and external committee as well as the IPSF team for their amazing support throughout the mandate.
Finally, I will urge the incoming RRO and the RWG; there is a lot we
can
do
to
keep
growing
AfRO
and
every
single
AfRO
member has a role to play in this. Let us keep growing AfRO and IPSF. Needless I remind us all that the world of Pharmacy keeps evolving by the day and so there are so much that we can
do
as
youths
to
contribute
and
to
handover
a
better
healthcare system to the next generation. All of these start from the little things we do in our own small world hence we shouldn’t stop seeking ways to improve and also contribute to our space. I wish us all the best in our future endeavours. Meanwhile, this isn’t a goodbye from me. In IPSF we do not say goodbye, we say see you soon. See you all at the top.
Nzeribe Emmanuella, IPSF AfRO Regional Relations Officer 2019-2020
Page 72