IPSF AfRO Newsletter #7

International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation

Jan 2017

#7

African Regional Office

Discover

IPSF AFRICAN REGIONAL OFFICE 2016-17

THE

IPSF AFRICAN REGION

Insights IPSF AfRO

Newsletter

Insights

IPSF AFRICAN REGIONAL OFFICE 2016-17

Editorial Greetings AfRO IPSFers,

IPSF AFRICAN REGIONAL Contents 1 Meet the RWG 11 OFFICE My AfPS Journey 19 The World Congress 2016-17 27

Insights

I am excited to present to you IPSF AfRO newsletter issue #7 and the first for the year 2016/17.

In this newsletter, we introduce you to our Regional Working Group (RWG) for the mandate of 2016/17.

Read the love story of the RWG with IPSF. I hope their stories can inspire you to get more involved in IPSF.

Our region hosted two big events this year. In the newsletter, we bring you stories from the 5th IPSF African Pharmaceutical Symposium that was held in Mombasa, Kenya, and the 62nd IPSF World Congress that was held in Harare, Zimbabwe. We also have amazing stories from our member associations and much more.

Have a pleasant reading!

Whats up AfRO

Viva la pharmacie!

Mr. Kennedy ODOKONYERO IPSF AfRO Regional Media and Publications Officer 2016/17 rmpo@afro.ipsf.org CREDITS Editor-in-Chief: Ms. Katarina ZUNIC, editor@ipsf.org Editors: ★ Ms. Sara DITURSI ★ Ms. Erica SHIN ★ Ms. Marina FALTAS

Design and layout: Mr. Arnold PINIAS

MEET THE 2016/17 REGIONAL WORKING GROUP

Arinze Chairperson This much needed concept is also being extended to our pharmacy education and professional development activities.

Dear IPSFers, My name is Arinze Awiligwe, from the giant of Africa, Nigeria. I am an executive member of the International Pharmaceutical Students Federation (IPSF), serving as the Chairperson of the African Regional Office. I am a recent pharmacy graduate, currently working as a pharmacist at Dr. PhysiQTM Center for Wellness and as a community pharmacist at Glittering Stones Pharmacy in Abuja, Nigeria. I am highly honoured to be able to put my passion to work.

Even more exciting is the opportunity to work with great minds within the Executive Committee, the qualified African Regional Working Group and the entire IPSF family for the 2016-2017 mandate.

This mandate aims to put together, past gains and progresses into a structure and standard that will form the foundations of sustainability and African prowess as a region of the Federation. While keying strongly and relentlessly into the IPSF Professional Development (PD), Pharmacy Education (PE), Student Exchange Programme (SEP), Public Health (PH) activities and IPSF events participation across member associations in the region, we constantly utilize our rich local content to channel our impact towards meeting the needs of our communities.

Member associtions will be encouraged to carry out public health campaigns targeted at addressing predominant health burdens such as Malaria and other neglected tropical diseases in the region while still partaking in IPSF traditional health campaigns and projects.

Developments in the African Regional Office will not be restricted to increasing the number of member countries, but open to our collective ability to ensure membership sustainability and consistent capacity building to meet requisite standards despite prevalent challenges. We have made strides with the inclusion of 3 AfRO IPSFers in the executive committee of the Federation and we are positioned to represent the Federation on larger grounds.

Students Today, Pharmacists Tomorrow

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MEET THE Rwg

IPSF AfRO Newsletter

With the successful membership of CEPHARM Burkina Faso, AEPHAT Togo, UPSA Uganda and A.E.P Mali at the 62nd General Assembly in Zimbabwe, adding up to a membership strength of 17 Member Associations, the region is delighted to inspire and support the new members in all possible ramifications, to continue in the drive to promote IPSF membership to other potential African countries including Ethiopia, Madagascar, Botswana, Mozambique, Gabon, Gambia and Liberia, and to assist applying countries including Namibia, Guinea, Senegal, Benin Republic, Malawi and Cameroon in achieving the Member-inAssociation status in Taiwan, 2017.

The 5th African Pharmaceutical Symposium (AfPS) in Kenya was not only life changing, but fulfilled the theme of rewriting the African narrative in healthcare as it hosted hundreds of pharmacy students and recent graduates from different countries of the region to incredible educational and scientific sessions, PD competitions, networking opportunities and socio-cultural events in the beautiful city of Mombasa.

The 62nd IPSF World Congress 2016, which held in Zimbabwe, proved the true African spirit and vibes for those who witnessed it The 6th AfPS in Ghana come July 2017 promises to be bigger and better.

“Our collective ability to ensure membership sustainability and consistent capacity building to meet requisite standards despite prevalent challenges.

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“The challenges we face are real but will no longer remain an excuse for complacency as our strengths become evident in the face of imminent doubts. It is now our collective responsibility to engage global discussions, challenge conventional wisdom and match our strengths with the many opportunities that there are to capitalize on our unique roles as innovative students today and to onwards, proffer solutions as pharmacists tomorrow.”

Viva la IPSF Viva la pharmacie!

Students Today, Pharmacists Tomorrow

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MEET THE Rwg

IPSF AfRO Newsletter

Felicity Secretary

Hello IPSFers!

I am Felicity Karimi from Kenya. I just completed my 5year training in pharmacy; and am awaiting graduation in a few weeks time ☺. I serve as the Regional Secretary for AfRO for the mandate of 2016-2017; a post I am extremely passionate about due to my love for administrative duties and organization. My first encounter with IPSF was in 2014, when I was elected to be the Student Exchange Officer of Kenya 2014-2015. By then, I knew nothing about IPSF (Well, except the initials in full… haha!) I then went on to attend my first IPSF event - the 4th AfPS in Rwanda (July 2015), and that was when my IPSF fever turned into a full blown infection! I knew then that I'd never want to miss another IPSF event.

The incredible thing about IPSF is the unique platform it offers to interact with young pharmacists from all over Africa and the world at large, who are basically sailing in the same boat as you. With all the hustle and hard work that comes with the pharmacy training, it truly helps to have friends in the profession with whom you can share relatable experiences, form life-long links and friendships and have fun while at it! The kind of growth that one experiences in IPSF is also undeniable. I'm talking: learning from individuals with different social and cultural backgrounds, gathering new skills, improving one's work ethic and an entire journey that only leads to self-improvement.

I do hope you can join the bandwagon if you're not already on it, and receive that warm welcome to the Federation that changes your life every day!

So, what does a Secretary do you ask? A day in the life of a Secretary will basically involve scheduling meetings and setting up agendas, replying to emails, safe-keeping of the region's records, distributing documents… among others. (Google drive, Gmail, todo lists are now my friends). I am also responsible for maintaining smooth communication within the region, and I'm your go-to if you need any information; including monthly updates on what the Regional Office is up to, and access to documents like the IPSF Constitution. Being Secretary also means I'll be a very stubborn face during the Regional Assembly at AfPS ☺ I am very excited to work in the Regional Working Group with a team of highly skilled and motivated individuals, who incidentally are all from different countries in AfRO! (Rainbow Team). I am also delighted to be working very closely with the inaugural AfRO Translation Subcommittee- the linguistically endowed team - that makes it possible to have all important AfRO documents in the two major languages in the region: English and French. S/O to Aniekan, Marie Ange, Shakila, Fabrice, Mathias and Alain! À votre santé!

I look forward to a successful mandate of achieving greater heights for AfRO together, and I do hope to meet you all in 2017 at the 6th AfPS in Ghana! Until then, Viva la AfRO, Viva la Pharmacie

Students Today, Pharmacists Tomorrow

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IPSF AfRO Newsletter

MEET THE Rwg

Geofrey Regional Projects Officer

Hey all!! I am Beingana Geofrey and am in my 5th year (final) at the University of Rwanda. I am very much thrilled to be part of the AfRO Regional Working Group as the Regional Projects Officer.

I got involved with IPSF in 2014 when I first became the Rwandan Contact Person for my association, RPSA, and I enjoyed the meetings on Skype, the email groups and everyone encouraged me and also educated me. In 2015, when I took up the second mandate as Contact Person (CP), I enjoyed being one of the most experienced CPs as I was serving for the second mandate, and this gave me the confidence to contact more people in the Executive Committee and Regional Working Group, as well as consultations from other CPs as an experienced member. Meeting my predecessor Ms. Riziki also inspired me a lot because she was so hardworking and close to everyone which gave me a propulsion to run for this position.

My vision in the 2016-17 mandate is to have a freely moving region, implementing IPSF projects and campaigns at an association level and emphasizing more on professional development, among other. I wish to meet a little more of you reading this that I haven't met and above all to have a memorable AfPS in Ghana the coming July. I want, by the end of this mandate, to have inspired more people like I was inspired at some point.

This mandate I am privileged to work with a subcommittee of 9 very ambitious ladies and gentlemen who have shown me that working beyond my target is very possible. I would like to introduce them to you as follows: 1. Mr. Adeyemi Sylvester – PANS Nigeria 2. Mr. Mutabazi Jean claude - RPSA Rwanda 3. Mr. Johnson Wanjohi – KEPhSA Kenya 4. Mr. Alex Bayoh – NAPS Sierra Leone 5. Mr. Brice Hirwa – RPSA Rwanda 6. Ms. Faith Nyawira – KEPhSA Kenya 7. Ms. Anesu Dhliwayo – ZPSA Zimbabwe 8. Ms. Mgambi Gideon – TAPSA Tanzania 9. Mr. David Amoafo – GPSA Ghana

These great people are already behind the outputs of this office so far. Feel free to contact me as the Regional Projects Office at rpo@afro.ipsf.org #Viva la AfRO #Viva la Pharmacie “For pharmacy I swear”

Students Today, Pharmacists Tomorrow

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IPSF AfRO Newsletter

MEET THE Rwg

Kennedy Regional Media & Publications Officer

Greetings IPSFers, I am Odokonyero Kennedy. I am delighted to serve you in this mandate of 2016-17 as the Regional Media and Publications Officer (RMPO) for the IPSF African Regional Office.

I am a B. Pharm candidate (2017) at Makerere University in Kampala in Uganda. If my memory serves me well, I first learned about the existence of IPSF from Twitter. In February 2015, I travelled to Rwanda to attend the 6th Rwanda Pharmaceutical Students Association (RPSA) symposium. That's where my love story with IPSF started. From the symposium, I learned about the 4th IPSF African Pharmaceutical Symposium which RPSA was hosting in July later that year. Although my association wasn't a member of IPSF then, I was able to attend the symposium as an observer. Participation in the symposium inspired me so much that on coming back, I convinced my association to apply for membership in IPSF which we successfully did. As they usually say, the rest is history. I have served in IPSF as a Contact Person (CP), member of the Editorial Committee and am now a RMPO. IPSF has opened the world of pharmacy to me. I have since travelled to many countries around the world and made many amazing friends. I am proud to say that I am now a global citizen.

The responsibility of the RMPO is direct and not complicated. My office is responsible for maintaining and updating the website and social media pages for the region.

We also design and publish promotional materials for the region such as posters and newsletters.

The media and publication office is like the visible spectrum of an organisation. It's the bridge between the organisation and the general public. My goal in this mandate is strengthen the media presence of our region on social media and website. This will be accomplished through creating innovative, interactive, and timely content for our audience. We also believe that as a pharmacy student you have amazing stories that you want to share with the world and maybe you don't have a platform. We will help you tell your stories through our media platforms. You are reading this and you have a story? Write to me at: rmpo@afro.ipsf.org. We also intend to train our member associations on media and publications.

If you are a keen reader, you should have noticed that I have used 'we' numerous times in this article. Can you guess? Yeah? It is because I don't work alone. I have a 'pharmily.' I have awesome people I work with in the media and publications subcommittee of the region.

I am proud to introduce you to Anania Anangis, Dauda Olamide, Florence Nishimwe, Arnold Pinias and Olunu Adeoluwa.

Viva la pharmacie!

Students Today, Pharmacists Tomorrow

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IPSF AfRO Newsletter

MEET THE Rwg

Nomagugu Regional Relations Officer

Lotjhani (hello) IPSFers, My name is Nomagugu Ncube. I am the Regional Relations Officer for IPSF AfRO for this mandate of 2016/17. I recently graduated from University of Zimbabwe. So, for now I am in homeostasis- no midnight studying and raised cortisol levels.

I come from a tribe called the Ndebele in Zimbabwe.

I love traveling and watching forensic detectives. I always imagine that if I wasn't a pharmacist I would be catching the criminals via their left behind DNA! I absolutely hate arachnids. In fact it's more of a phobia than a hatred. Every time I see a spider I feel like it's looking at me and it wants to swallow me alive, although it's not even a tenth of my weight.

My journey in IPSF started two years ago when I was nominated as the Students Exchange Officer for my association. My sanguine personality sprang to life and I built rapports with many pharmacy students from other countries and this has added more meaning to my career as a future pharmacist.

What I intend to achieve during my mandate is to make Africa an IPSF continent. I would like to motivate non-members of IPSF to join IPSF as this would be a great advantage for them. I would also like to ensure that IPSF members stay in a constant state-ofmotivation and do their best as far as possible.

I look forward to meeting more IPSF members at the 6th IPSF AfPS in Ghana. I have already registered this event. What about you?I have the privilege of working with some members across Africa in my subcommittee.

Purity Wambui is a dedicated young lady from Kenya.

She is well organized and keeps us in check with meetings. She sometimes assumes the role of my brain.

Where I fail to think she is thinking on behalf of me ... a real “gem”!

Brian Kirui as I write is being capped as a pharmacist at Kenyatta University. He is committed and always sacrifices his time to assist me meet deadlines. I often hear these words from him: “Please send the agenda Noma, it's two days to the meeting!" I can't slacken with him around.

Funmbi Okoya is my special “Oga” from Nigeria. He wants to know as much as he can know, he wants to help as much as he can. He always comes up with new ideas for the team and takes the initiative of helping even when not asked.

Gamelihle Mpofu is one of my own kinsman. Coming from the same tribe as me, we share common traits. We both love meat and we both like experimenting with new stuff. He is an asset to the team and is always the funniest. We could with some humour in our lives.

Othniel Nimababazi stands out in the committee as the fluent one in both English and French. When my French leaves me, I know someone will catch it and bring it back into context! He is hardworking and determined and is always willing to help at any time.

Often when the group gets quiet, you will find him typing something to resurrect us.

With a team like this, I believe it is possible to have an IPSF continent!

Students Today, Pharmacists Tomorrow

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IPSF AfRO Newsletter

MEET THE Rwg

Jacob Chairperson of the 6th AfPS

Jacob Enchill is a 5th year PharmD student at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

I first got involved in IPSF in 2012 upon admission to the university. It has brought me a lot of experiences, the good, the bad, and the ugly. But the good certainly overshadows all.

There is a strong team waiting in Ghana for you to feel you never left home. Your every minute in Ghana will be a moment not to forget. Aside the fun, the team is ready to give you the best professional development yet to hit IPSF. Do you know how to prepare hand sanitizers?

Can you prepare insecticide spray?

These are some small gists. Follow us on all social media platforms to know more.

The Reception Committee will want you to feel the hype because it is real.

Reception Committee of 6th IPSF AfPS.

Students Today, Pharmacists Tomorrow

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The world congress

IPSF AfRO Newsletter #7

why the world congress is always an important highlight of the federation

By Arnold Pinias

Time goes by fast, and people go in and out of your life so quickly, so you should never miss the opportunity to tell these people how much they mean to you,� says Ralph Waldo Emerson. From the 25th of July to the 8th of August, Harare was turned into an international hub filled with ambitious minds who want to change the world through the pharmaceutical profession. The World Congress (WC) is the key annual event of the International Pharmaceutical Students' Federation (IPSF) and ZPSA Zimbabwe won the bid to host the 62nd IPSF World Congress 2016, 20 years after the event had been hosted in Africa.

As the participants witnessed, it was really a time for Africa as we all united to put together this monumental event which will forever stay in our hearts.

Friends were made, history was made, and memories will be always treasured and cherished. Whether you attended or not, let's take this opportunity to revive these memories as we dig into the flesh of Leaders in Training (LIT), followed by WC marinated by PCT. LIT (Leader in Training) It was attended by 33 participants which benefited from leadership skills delivered by trainers, team building activities, and lifelong networking during the day at Harare Institute of Technology. Not forgetting the breathtaking social events which took place during the nights as the LITers took the time to discover the sunshine city and its breathtaking city life.

These activities pumped life into the blood of these simply beautiful LITers who took over the congress with a bang.

World Congress: Igniting, I n n o v a t i n g a n d Implementing in the world of Wonders The congress was packed with activities which left vibrant, motivated Pharmily ready to shape the future of pharmacy and this will be easier to envision if we revisit the events day by day.

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IPSF AfRO Newsletter

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Day

Amazing entrance by the Zimbos

It was an amazing opening as the delegates took part in the flag ceremony conducted by Madam President Ms. Dayl Eccles with the help of Vice President Mr. Israel Bimpe. People couldn't help but scream out of excitement as the performers took the stage during entertainment breaks.

The whole group was brought to a standstill by the entrance of the Zimbos giving more traction to the program which had already gained momentum. After the introduction by the Chairperson of the World Congress, Ms. Mitchelle Masuko, the crowd started chanting praises which were complemented by music and an amazing dance.

Everybody joined which made the event epic.

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Day Congress gain traction .The General Assembly kicked off smoothly as well as the workshops giving a signal for an educating and informing program. There were also several meetings like discover IPSF, CPs meeting, SEO meeting and IPSF in your corner. On the social scene, Australians opened up the costume party by impersonating Greek Gods — when you don't bring a costume… your bedsheets are always an option. Others thronged the venue dressed as doctors, pharmacists, and surgeons.

The world congress

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Speakers left students clamoring for more as the educational symposia delivers as expected

We are always looking for new opportunities in practice, thanks to Michael J. Rouse who opened up the educational symposia with a mind-boggling speech on creating opportunities through adoption of new unique skills in practice, our minds were enlightened. Dr Gwaza did enough justice by giving us a view of the pharmaceutical sector in Africa and all over the world. Sven A. Norman and Dr. Dan Kabule made our afternoon great by giving us an enlightening talk on emerging technologies in pharmacy practice. This was followed by Zimbo night which was filled with spectacular performances. The crowd went wild with the outstanding performance from the kid dancer. He definitely had better rhythm than some of us adults. It was a great night indeed and delegates ended the night with new musical skills.

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Day Opening Ceremony It was a great day for this congress as we saw it being officially opened by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Zimbabwe, accompanied with staff from the department, Harare Institute of Technology and also from the professional sector.

Everyone was looking awesome and happy after the congress photo was taken-“What did you you expect? People were excited about the congress. Guess what? We are just getting started.” The same night auction night was one of the best since we witnessed a jaw-dropping sale of $4092!!!The title of the greatest sale goes out to the French faluche which sold for fat $1250.

Students Today, Pharmacists Tomorrow

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IPSF AfRO Newsletter

The world congress

Zimbo Night

Excursion day

Opening Ceremony

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IPSF AfRO Newsletter

The world congress

Day Workshops kick start

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Day Showing Love in Africa

This day was filled with lots of activities, from the General Assembly (GA), parallel workshops, Regional Assemblies and finally participants exploring the city. It was a free night and a lot of people went out and several parties were organized with the most talked about- cake fight topping the list.

The public health campaign left beautiful smiles on Zimbabweans, as they received invaluable information from the delegates of the 62nd IPSF WC. Congratulations to Team Argentina, who won the bid for hosting the IPSF WC 2018. The night was a neon party and people partied and socialized.

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Day Why Study Pharmacy

Day New President This was the greatest day for IPSF and more importantly for IPSF AfRO as Mr. Israel Bimpe was voted in as the new IPSF president. In the evening, we attended the foam party. As the roaring crowd gathered in the foyer preparing for the foam party, the excitement was evident as the participants dressed in their swimsuits for the event. Only if the people supported day activities as well as they did the social night events, that would be awe inspiring.

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Day Peace on the continent Some may wonder why Inyanga in Zimbabwe is so loved by tourists. But people who love quiet, peaceful environments with an amazing view always find a way to get there. Those who participated on the excursion day can confirm this, there were indeed relaxing beautiful views from pine forests, winding roads in the mountains, natural pools, falls and the troutbeck resort, a place where you can just sit and enjoy the sunset!

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This point was clearly laid out to our young ones at a nearby high school during the public health campaign. The general assembly and workshops went well as planned.

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Day Final night together This was one of the most beautiful nights of the congress as people dressed up for the Gala Night. Words cannot suffice to describe how spectacular it was and the closing speech was given by HIT Vice Chancellor Engineer Q C Kanhukamwe.

PCT World of Wonders PCT was amazing what do you expect, Zimbabwe is a world of wonders! As you can see this was time for Africa and we should say congratulations for pulling this off. In IPSF we never say goodbye. People parted in tears and suffered greatly from post congress depression but in the end, we just said see you soon, it's such a small world in IPSF.

Students Today, Pharmacists Tomorrow

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IPSF AfRO Newsletter

The world congress

HOW I ABLE TO ATTEND THE 62ND IPSF WORLD CONGRESS IN ZIMBABWE

By Odokonyero Kennedy At the beginning of this year, I told some of my friends that Zimbabwe was on the bucket list. June 2015 was when I first learned about the 62nd International Pharmaceutical Students Federation (IPSF) World Congress (WC) that was announced to be held from 29th July to 8th August 2016 in Harare, Zimbabwe from one of the WhatsApp Groups. The poster for the congress that was shared in the group showed a registration fee of 400 Euros. My first reaction? Your guess is right! “How am I going to raise that amount of money? And what about the air ticket fees alone which are almost twice as much?�

After attending my first ever IPSF event in Kigali, Rwanda in July 2015; 4th IPSF African Pharmaceutical Symposium (AfPS), I got highly motivated to participate in the WC. The thing with IPSF events is that after attending for the first time, you always want to attend the one after that and eventually, you just get addicted.

Staying optimistic though was a daunting task. I wasn't certain I would raise the money. I didn't know where to look for it. I didn't even have a passport. So I started from the beginning- the first thing I did was getting a passport.

As it would happen, IPSF Development Fund (DF) in January 2016 made a call for the World Congress Grant which I successfully applied for. The DF thus paid for my registration fee. The next hurdle was the air ticket which thinned my hopes so much. At some point I even started telling my friends that I won't be able to travel; little did I know that God had a miracle in store for me. Two weeks to the WC, I got one of the best news of this year so far; Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) approved my request to pay for my flight. Yeeeiii!!!

Participating in the Congress has been a lifetime experience for me. From the education and scientific symposia, politics in the General Assembly, workshops and to the amazing friends from all corners of the world that I met, I will live to treasure the experience for the rest of my life.

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New friends!

I thought I would be the only Ugandan at the congress, but I met this fellow countryman who goes to school in the UK. Meet my new friend Isaac Gidudu from Mbale.

In a special way, I'd like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the IPSF DF and PSU for making my dream to participate in the congress a reality. I hope that a pharmacy student in Uganda can get inspired and perhaps gets more motivated than I was to participate in international events of such nature and that PSU and other corporate organizations continue to support students on such levels.

Viva la pharmacie!!

Students Today, Pharmacists Tomorrow

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THE RISE AND THE RISE OF

ISRAEL BIMPE IN IPSF

The 62nd IPSF World Congress General Assembly (GA) in August 2016 elected Mr. Israel Bimpe as its president for the year 2016-17. Mr. Israel wasn't the only member of the IPSF African Regional Office (AfRO) elected to the Executive, Ms. Juliet Onyinyechi Obi was also elected as the Chairperson of Professional Development.

When I got actively involved in IPSF in 2015, there was a general sentiment that it was close to impossible for an Executive Member of IPSF to come from AfRO other than through the chairperson position. This was mainly attributed to the few full member associations within the region who couldn't swing votes during elections.

Mr. Israel and Ms. Juliet have thus been able to defy odds. I believe they have inspired many IPSF members within AfRO to run for IPSF executive positions in future.

The rise of Mr. Israel in IPSF hasn't happened overnight. He rose through ranks. When he presented himself as a presidential candidate, he was way more experienced and knowledgeable about IPSF than his opponent. There wasn't any doubt that he would emerge victorious.

Prior to becoming IPSF President, Mr. Israel served as the Student Exchange Officer of Rwanda Pharmaceutical Students Association (RPSA) from November 2013 to September 2014, president of the same association the following year. He went on to become the Regional Relations Officer in AfRO from June 2014 to September 2015 and then the Chairperson of AfRO. If you are reading this and you have plans for running for a position in the executive committee in IPSF, you surely have lessons to learn from Mr. Israel. Start within your organisation, become a Contact Person (CP) or a Student Exchange Officer (SEO). Become part of the IPSF Team. There are so many opportunities in IPSF committees. Go grab one or even two.

The following year, you can apply for a coordinator position or run for a position in your Regional Working Group. If you still have bigger ambitions, go for the big one; join the contest to become a member of the IPSF Executive Committee. If you even bigger ambitions, go for the biggest one, run for presidency.

While running in all those positions, make your impact felt, come up with new ideas, acquire skills that will make you execute your responsibilities in a better way. It is important that you also participate in your regional symposia and IPSF World CongressesAll of the above mentioned activities won't make the General Assembly have any doubts about your experience and passion for IPSF. Feel free to thank me later for these free tips.

What you don't know about Mr. Israel I don't know much about Mr. Israel on a personal level. We get so consumed by IPSF that we hardly talk about personal things. Apart from IPSF and pharmacy that we share in common, another common interest is that we are both social media enthusiasts. From following his social media activity, I know that he reads books quite a lot, writes occasionally.

He is also a fan of basketball. I am not sure though if he plays it himself, but since he is tall, it's probable. .

Students Today, Pharmacists Tomorrow

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Why You Should Not Miss IPSF World Congress 2017 in Taipei, Taiwan

By Jui-Lin Nathaniel Chang Chairperson 63rd IPSF World Congress Reception Committee

Ten years after 2007, the 63rd IPSF World Congress will be held in Taipei, Taiwan again in the summer of 2017. This year, the IPSF Team and the Reception Committee from Taiwan will make some new attempts to impress our participants. Since WHO brought up

practice and more. We will arrange the workshops as a series of courses to introduce each of the related topics thoroughly to the participants, and the participants can also arrange their agenda according to their knowledge or their interests to the topics.

Experiments and workshops of traditional medicine are also arranged to give our participants a glimpse to a different phase of pharmacy practice in Taiwan.

There will also be a two-day symposium focusing on pharmaceutical science and pharmacy education given by prestigious Taiwanese and foreign speakers. The theme for the pharmaceutical science symposium is “Novel research on the interplay between pharmacy and society” and the theme for pharmacy education is “Seeing beyond the natural science in pharmacy: preparing the future pharmacists”. Besides, the participants can also join various competitions like patients' counseling events, clinical skills events and compounding events to show their skills regarding the pharmacy profession. the concept of “seven-star pharmacists” in 1997, it has been a gold standard for an ideal modern pharmacist. According to WHO, a “seven-star pharmacist” should play multiple roles, including that of a caregiver, manager, leader, lifelong learner, teacher, communicator and decision-maker. In the World Congress this year, the academic activities are arranged to help students strengthen and develop each of the seven-star roles.

The main theme of the 63rd World Congress is “Looking beyond the natural sciences - pharmacy competencies for a modern society”. The main focus this year is social pharmacy, including the application of sociology in pharmacy and the pharmacy practice in modern society. There will be dozens of workshops about a variety of topics, including precision medicine, applications of epidemiology in pharmaceutical research, longterm care, latest high-tech use in pharmaceutical

Furthermore, a public health campaign will bring our participants outdoors, interact with local people and raise awareness of pharmacists' profession and some public health issues. Finally, we are also planning a Fun Run, which is also held annually in the Congress of International Pharmacists' Federation (FIP). Via the Run, the participants will not only have fun but also send out a message to promote healthy lifestyles.

During the Congress, there will also be a lot of fantastic social events, including the welcome party, Taiwanese night, international night, auction night, and a variety of theme parties. The excursion day will also be a valuable experience for the participants to get to know our beautiful city. Come and see it for yourself!

Students Today, Pharmacists Tomorrow

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IPSF AfRO Newsletter

Why You Should Not Miss IPSF World Congress 2017 in Taipei, Taiwan

By Jui-Lin Nathaniel Chang Chairperson 63rd IPSF World Congress Reception Committee

See You In Taiwan Students Today, Pharmacists Tomorrow

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The IPSF African Regional Office (AfRO) held its annual symposium from June 16th - 20th, 2016 in Mombasa, Kenya.

The 5th IPSF African Pharmaceutical Symposium (AfPS) that was held under the theme, “ Rewriting the African Narrative in Healthcare: Access, Quality and Innovation”, attracted over 125 delegates from 9 African countries: Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe and Kenya were all represented at the symposium.

AfPS is considered one of the most prestigious conventions for pharmacy students and recent graduates in Africa. x Ms. Patricia Nyokabi, Chairperson of 5th IPSF AfPS, in her opening remarks welcomed the delegates and thanked the Reception Committee for their efforts and teamwork they displayed in organising the symposium.

The former chairperson of AfRO and the current president of IPSF, Mr. Israel Bimpe, called for delegates to be the gateways of change in their communities, “We the pharmacists should be the architects of the future”, he added.

The symposium had a diverse range of top-notch speakers in the field, high-quality workshops, many networking opportunities and social/cultural activities.

“Pharmacy is not only a profession but it is actually a passion to save lives and I believe that being a pharmacist is doing one of the greatest jobs in the world with the new dimensions of our practice which is centred on pharmaceutical care.” said Pharm. Ahmed Ibrahim Yakasai, one of the keynote speakers at the symposium and President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN).

Pharm. Ahmed Ibrahim Yakasai accepting a gift from the Reception Committee.

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ill had so much fun. st d an t lo a nt ar le “I e,” e-changing experienc lif a as w e nc rie pe p.

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Pride Inn Paradise Hotel, venue of 5th AfPS.

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Delegates at Mamba Village Center in Mombasa.

Delegates had the opportunity to compete in various side events such as Compounding, Patient Counseling and Clinical Skills Events. As part of the AfRO's Pharmacy Profession Awareness Campaign (PPAC), delegates visited Allindina Visaram High School and gave a career talk on the pharmacy profession.

Delegates went for an excursion in Mamba Village Center in Mombasa, a crocodile farm. Other social events included international, auction and gala nights.

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MY IPSF AfPS 2016 EXPERIENCE

By Bella Lokuruka IPSF Contact Person, KePhSA, Kenya

I can still remember the first time I heard that the 5th AFPS was going to be in Mombasa, Kenya. It was sometime in midOctober 2015 in a matatu (public service van) with my friend, classmate and a member of the Reception Committee (RC), Faith Nyawira. I honestly cannot even tell you where we were coming from but I distinctly remember her saying the words 'IPSF', 'AfRO', 'AfPS' and 'Mombasa'. In that moment I knew July 2016 was going to find me in Mombasa.

The Leaders In Training (LIT) event was from the 14th to 15th of July in my Kenyatta University campus but I was unfortunately forced to miss it. As such my AfPS experience began that night on a bus of delegates destined for Pride Inn Paradise Resort and Spa, our home for the duration of the symposium.

Compounding Event (CE) and a mentoring session with students from a local high school.

These were very well coordinated and I recommend future participation to anyone.

Representation from each of the 9 countries constituting AfRO (at the time) made for a fun, vibrant symposium. This certainly came out during the theme nights especially international night when we were treated to all manner of African music and dance and the Kenyan night when I was proud to showcase my nomadic Northern Kenyan roots in dress and food.

The theme of the symposium was 'Rewriting the African Narrative in Healthcare: Access, Quality and Innovation' and from day one we, in our own small way, literally began to rewrite this narrative. The panel of keynote speakers spoke to every aspect of the African healthcare scenario; including representatives of the Kenyan and Nigerian Pharmaceutical Societies, the Kenyan Medical Association, the Kenyan Pharmacy and Poisons Board, practicing clinical pharmacists and lecturers from several pharmacy schools across Kenya. Each and every session served as a positive platform for students and practicing healthcare providers to openly identify challenges for which we began to find simple feasible opportunities. The symposium truly allowed us to see that a bright future for African healthcare is within reach.In true IPSF fashion, we were also able to participate and compete in fun, educational events interspersed with the sessions. I only competed in the Clinical Skills Event (CSE) but there was the Patient Counseling Event (PCE),

The fun continued during the excursion to Mamba Village (mamba means crocodile in Swahili) allowing us all to talk and bond during the amazing tour which culminated in a glimpse of Big Daddy, their largest and oldest crocodile.

With the backdrop of the Indian Ocean and the amazing group of delegates, gala night came with many heavy hearts and a few tears. I definitely speak for all the attendees when I say that Mombasa was truly an unforgettable experience and I am so proud of my RC and KEPhSA for a job well done. On that note, I can't wait for the 6th Ghana and I look forward to seeing old friends and new faces alike. “Viva La Pharmacie!�

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IPSF AfPS Symposium Days in Mombasa

5 th

By Maureen Kamau and Richard Bishumba

Have you ever waited for something for a whole year, knowing that what you're waiting for won't even last for a week? Crazy, right? Well, that was the story of my life from July 2015 to June 2016.

If you know me or you ever take trouble in following me on social media, then you are well aware that it's rare for me to say ten words without mentioning the word 'pharmacy', something related to it and/or health in general.

To pharmacy students anywhere on this planet, IPSF is not something new. But if it is to you, IPSF is the International Pharmaceutical Students Federation, its headquarters in the Netherlands and Rwanda's Israel Bimpe is the President.

It was at the 4th IPSF African Pharmaceutical Symposium (4th IPSF AfPS) held in Kigali in July 2015 that Kenya won the bid to host the next edition which was staged from June 16th to 21st, 2016 at PrideInn Resort and Spa Hotel in Mombasa. Shortly after Mombasa was announced the host city, I promised myself I would compulsorily go. First time in Kenya, first time at any ocean, I knew it would be lit.

Did I mention I almost gave up going at the last minute?

Despite all the efforts I had invested, I was never 100% sure I would go until 20 hours prior to my flight. The academic calendar was changing every single minute, I had an internship to complete and finances were mismatching but at the end of the day, I prevailed.

Finally, the long-awaited day of arrival at the venue had come; that Thursday (June 16) marked the beginning of what turned to be one of the best moments ever. The registration process being so smooth, settling in as if the hotel was becoming mine, checking in and moving around the entire place made me feel like we got such a good deal. Talk about the value of money. It was impeccable, from the very kind-hearted workers, decent services, rooms, the landscape to the food, everything was just on point. I felt I had already exhausted my registration fee just after one day, yet, I still had four.

Of course, I was in Mombasa for a reason; I was in Mombasa to learn, learn more about pharmacy practice in Africa, identify and discuss with fellow participants from across Africa about major challenges and gaps within our profession. It was also a good time to network, make new friends and catch up with those I had not seen for a while, with pharmacy at the core center of (almost) every conversation. Boring?

No, only to somebody who believes a pharmacist equals a drug seller.

From the interesting theme which was Rewriting the African Narrative in Healthcare: Access, Quality and Innovation, amazing speakers, a rich content to the 5-star conference hall, the symposium ended with all participants yelling for more.

The Patient Counseling Event, first time to have a Compounding Event, the inaugural Pharmacy Profession Awareness Campaign, all rounded up to make what is regarded as one of the best symposia in IPSF AfRO history.

Africa has and has always had a vision. Think about that moment when a situation would come and we would all be leaders in different countries, let's say in the health sector. What an impact it would make in coming together to make a difference, creating the Africa we have always envisioned. Further, it would serve to abolish the misguided narrative that Africa is a hub of problems, sanitary, health related and o t h e r w i s e. I s t h a t p h a r m a c y ? N o.

Pharmaceutically, it will help to eradicate the myth that a pharmacist is nothing but a drug vendor and showcase what pharmacists really are, pivotal players on a health care team, in health care systems and agents of public and global health equity.

The forum was about learning as much as it was about fun. Night events were simply epic, from the speed dating game on arrival day down to the gala night. performance to note, rated by many as the best.

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The swimming part was another past time to have good times, not forgetting the water park that gave an exceptional opportunity to let out one's inner child.

Splashing around in the water brought back memories of a happy and carefree childhood. The beachfront was another superb place. The view transported you to a universe full of tranquility and gave you an escape from the hustles and bustles of pharmacy, for a moment.

Three facts about Mombasa I. Mombasa is the second largest city of Kenya, strategically located on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Yes, Indian Ocean.

Regarded as a cultural and economic hub of the country, Mombasa is very hot, it doesn't matter whether it's a rainy or a sunny day, it's just hot. Living a 5-day lavish life in a fancy hotel only left me with one question, how do people with no air conditioners in their living spaces survive?

In Mombasa, customer care is II. something else. So one evening I decided to go for a walk to Mtwapa, a small town located in Kilifi County, not far from my hotel. While enjoying my free time off tight schedules, relaxing in my aging masai sandals and loud music in my headphones, I visited a couple of retail pharmacies, only to find that pharmaceutical care was so perfect. I bought paracetamol tabs in one pharmacy, the responsible pharmacist clearly instructed me how to take the medicine and gave me his contact number saying, “Call me if you have any problem regarding any drug, not just this painkiller”. Astonished as I was, I replied “ a s a n t e s a n a ” a n d w a l k e d o f f.

Talking about the symposium and forgetting the excursion at Mamba Village Center would be a huge mistake. The energy in the bus, songs from different represented countries, Rwandese delegates stealing the show, like always, was nothing short of awesome. In the park, there were some great moments from taking selfies, seeing how the crocodiles are fed to meeting the polygamous Big Daddy. A shout out to those who were able to hold the baby crocodile. The snake part was even harder, respect to people who managed to do it. Some, like myself, preferred watching from a distance covered up in their jackets lest the snake somehow found its way to where we were standing.

Shower water in the room and swimming III. pool water is salty, needless to say the ocean water. Is that sanitary appropriate? Ok, it tastes like normal saline. In fact almost everything is salty in Mombasa, even milk. The only thing that tastes salt-less is mineral water.

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The symposium is long over and everyone is back to their countries but the bond we created still holds and will live on forever. This experience was one of the most eye opening times for most of participants. Meeting and socializing with people from different countries, how often does one get such an opportunity, very rare if you ask me.

We went in as different countries but left as one united Africa. The spirit of togetherness saturated the air. As Henry Ford simply put it, coming together is the beginning, staying together is progress and working together is success.

It may be a wrap on the AfPS 2016 but memories live on. Now as post symposium depression wanes, nostalgia creeps in and longing for the next time we meet. Thank you all for making it what it was and hoping to see you all at the 6th IPSF AfPS convention in Ghana come 2017.

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Reasons Why you should do SEP in

By Nymigisha Yvonne Uganda Student Exchange Officer MUPSA, Uganda seo.mupsa@gmail.com

We have had the privilege of working under IPSF and closely with the Africa Regional Office-AfRO. We as Makerere University Pharmacy Students' Association (MUPSA) under the Uganda Pharmaceutical Students Association (UPSA), have had the opportunity to participate in the Student Exchange Program; an initiative of the IPSF. This time round, I bring you thousands of reasons why you should choose to do SEP in Uganda though I will disclose only a few such that the rest will be self-discovery.

First and foremost (and my personal favorite), Uganda is proud to have Cipla Quality Chemical Industries Limited, one of the most well-established pharmaceutical companies in Sub-Saharan Africa. Cipla is a state of the art pharmaceutical plant that actually manufactures the latest anti-retroviral (ARVs), anti-malarial and hepatitis B medicines. It is one of the most supportive companies that offers slots for the exchange students in Uganda. There are other companies such as Abacus Parenterals Drugs Limited (APDL), and hospitals like Mulago National Referral where our exchange students can experience pharmacy in Uganda.

Uganda has an affordable standard of living.

Considering most of our participants in the student exchange program are students, maximizing opportunities at affordable costs would be an added advantage. Students' halls, hostels, guest houses, and affordable meal options including the fastest growing fast food in Uganda that also doubles as a tourist attraction, the Rolex.

Aside from the numerous pharmacy opportunities, the Pearl of Africa gives you the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery in form of our highlands in the west and the plain land in the north, lovely views of the nature and safari lodges in the east. This includes the national parks, especially Murchison and Queen Elizabeth national parks in the northeast and southwest respectively.The coveted eastern Uganda that has the source of the River Nile, Mabira forest with all the beautiful scenery with wonderful rafting experience. The breathtaking sunset at the river is one not to miss on your visit to Jinja in the east.

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Reasons Why you should do SEP in Uganda

the sunset, sunrise, and thriving nightlife. The nightlife of Kampala includes clubs, bars, great places to hang out (so called joints), multi-cultural environment influences, and music of diversity of sounds.

For a long time now, Ugandans have been known as extremely warm and hospitable people with a receptive attitude towards foreigners and a special title is given to the whites 'Mzungu'. The attitude of the local people always affects the traveler's experience. Pharmacy students are eager to make new friends and share experiences about pharmacy in other countries.

I know I said eight reasons but I will stop here. I dare you to come and experience student exchange in Uganda.

See you when you get here.

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Whatsup Afro

By Bakani M. Ncube Student Exchange Officer, ZPSA, Zimbabawe zpsaseo@gmail.com

I may travel far and wide but my heart will always yearn for Africa, for it is home. Africa is a magnificent and splendid continent, with a myriad of magical destinations, from the Victoria Falls here in Zimbabwe, to the South African Table Mountain, the wildlife of the Nairobi National Park and the Rwandan volcanoes amongst many others. The Zimbabwe Pharmaceutical Students' Association (ZPSA) is one of the AfRO countries that hosts pharmacy students from within the region and abroad. The Student Exchange Programme (SEP) helps students from member organizations to improve their personal and professional profiles and also to improve education and public health in their local communities following examples from other countries. Above all, we believe that the major potential of participating in SEP is that it allows students to learn from their counterparts in other countries, empowering them to contribute towards the development of their own countries.This year, prior to the IPSF World Congress, from June to July 2016, ZPSA had the pleasure of hosting 5 female pharmacy students and graduates from Africa (Ghana), the United States of America and Europe (France and Germany). They were placed in the private and public sectors of hospital pharmacy at the West End Hospital and the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals (also where the College of Health Sciences of the University of Zimbabwe is located) respectively.

I would recommend embarking on the Student Exchange Program (SEP) as I believe it is one of the best things you can ever do for yourself during your time in pharmacy school. It provides students with the knowledge of pharmacy in a whole new country and it is great for cultural exchange as it teaches students what other cultures are like. They say “strangers are friends waiting to happen� and this is epitomised by the IPSF SEP as SEP will allow you to make long lasting friendships and connections all over the world and last but not least, you should not live the same year 75 times and call it a life. Dare to be brave! SEP in AfRO will enable you to take part in new adventures, it gives you the chance to explore the beauty and fun in another country.

Visit www.sep.ipsf.org to #xSEPerienceTheCulture

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SUMMARY REPORT OF PANS NATIONAL CONVENTION: A DAWN OF A NEW LEGACY

By Isah Dahiru easerdahiru@gmail.com Ahmadu Bello University The convention was organized by Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students' (PANS) at Nmandi Azikwe University, Anambra and was a success to all that have shown up to witness the event. The result of the convention gathered from different participants has attested to that. Nigerian pharmacy students have physical/material resources that can be used to make any event a live one.

PANS, the largest advocacy for pharmacy students in Nigeria, was able to convene about 350 delegates from 21 registered pharmacy schools in Nigeria. Under the leadership of the amiable President Comrade Emeghebo Chika N., PANS was able to host one of the best annual national conventions in its history.

Being ready to set a record in the sands of time, the convention was tagged LEGACY. Activities carried out during the convention were in this order:

1

Day Official reception of delegates and dinner was served around 6pm. The dinner was preceded by a party, PANSites were really happy and excited with the way this program started. As most of them travel from far places to show their solidarity for PANS, they yearned for the interaction with other colleagues. The dinner closed at around 9pm. The delegates went to their luxurious cottages in the not too distant place from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Unizik.

2

Day The opening ceremony kicked off at 11am.

In attendance were great men and women who have already left a lasting legacy. Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, Registrar of PSN was one of them. Faces of PANSites have really shown the sign of LEGACY. Everyone was smiling and interacting freely with fellow colleagues.

One very important things that I observed about the average conversation were the issues of pharmacy curriculum used by different school Some complained about the recent issues of PharmD. Our school delegates (ABU ZARIA), complained about prerequisites which are considered to be insignificant. There is a saying, "Everyone visits the market for a purpose", so while some people were busy with school issues, others were chatting and shouting about recent championship winners. It made me happy to see that pharmacy isn't about books all the time, we need to gist about something extracurricular.

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3

Day Health outreaches were organized in local communities in Anambra state by PANSites represented in unity creating awareness for health and well-being . The health outreaches were led by Ms. Akudo Alli. The people of Anambra State have really appreciated this health outreach program, they asked various questions concerning the use of medications, drug abuse, and other important issues. PANSites have made us proud by explaining to them every bit of what they have asked for.

The evening of day 3 was the opening ceremony of the highly competitive Neros.

Legacy Olympics is an event which encompasses various sporting activities-both field and track events. Various schools have participated. The event was really great and everlasting.

We met new faces everyday, friends were coming from every part of this country, the Legacy indeed. I snapped almost 643 pictures, 425 selfies and 12 videos in just this Neros Olympic, hence we were legends of legacy.

4

Day Day 4 was marked by the educational and scientific symposium, where various PANSites participated in quizzes, debate, oral and poster presentation under the sponsorship of Capital Oil Ltd. Yesterday was all about sports, today- a serious academic symposium. PANSites debated seriously, see men of honor, speaking confidently in public. A big thanks to PANS for organizing this kind of event.

The evening was a cultural night which demonstrated unity in diversity.

5

Day Legacy tour - visit to Ogbunike cave, Awka wonderland and Nanka erosion site. This tour is one of the things that makes the convention a success, our minds learned to appreciate the wonderful gifts of nature, we have seen beyond what we have on our American and Indian movies, Nigeria is really blessed.

It has never been such a great fun for PANSites as they were delighted to see the mysterious cave in the Igbo land. Seeing the wonders that man could have made with his hands at the Awka wonderland. All of this was accomplished with just the token of the delegate fee - LEGACY.

6

Day At 7am, the finals of the Neros Legacy Olympics commenced and the winners were awarded. Sequel to the day's event, delegates dedicated the sixth day for giving thanks to the almighty supreme being as religious activities were held at noon.

Later in the evening was the dinner and award night /pageant night.

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7 PCE AND CSE EVENTS IPSF AfRO Newsletter

Whatsup Afro

ORGANISED BY PANS (The Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students )

By Adaobi Okeke okekeadaobi55@gmail.com

THE EVENT The Opening Ceremony was held in the foyer of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University in Osun state, Nigeria. The opening lecture which was centered on the theme “The evolving role of pharmacists in healthcare� was delivered by Afolabi M.O., PhD, MPSN, FDCPharm. She went through the evolution of the pharmacy profession over the years and drew our attention to the fact that clinical pharmacy is a much-needed discipline in the healthcare system. She also emphasized that a complete pharmacist is one who understands what patient care entails and was well-equipped to deliver on their roles as healthcare providers.

Our amiable IPSF Contact Person, Mr. Abdulhafeez Ayodele Mustapha, gave an introduction to IPSF and emphasized the importance of professional development and how PANSites could tap from it.

Fellow PANsites were swept off their feet as the Contact Person gave an amazing session.

After the lecture, Pharm. Juliet Obi presented a workshop that centered on the purpose of the event.

She also informed participants of the modalities of the event and what was expected of them. Thereafter, the cases were sent to the participants who had been previously grouped and they were informed to prepare for their presentations the next day.

Members of the organizing committee with Juliet Obi, Chairperson, Professional Development Committee, IPSF The number of participants who signed up for the Clinical Skills Event (CSE) was fourteen, so they were divided into three groups and it was decided that there would be no group stages. Rather, all teams were to prepare for a single presentation based on their case files.

The next day, which was the 10th of September 2016, the students were ready and they showed their clinical skills as well as presentation skills in front of the judges. At the end of the day, the students were asked for a feedback and they all attested to the fact that the event was truly beneficial. The other students who were not participants but were observers also said they learned a lot by watching the students perform.

The students were informed that the winners of the CSE would be announced at the closing ceremony which was scheduled for the next day. The expectations were high as no one could predict who the winners would be seeing as all the presenters did very well.

The number of participants in the Patient Counseling Event (PCE) was 28; we had 10 in the beginner class and 18 in the advanced class. The next day, which was the 10th of September, 2016, the students were ready and they showed their patient counseling skills in front of the judges. This type of event proved to be beneficial both for the participants and the audience. It was really exciting as we tried to predict who will win, but couldn't, since it was a really tight competition.

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The 1st Place winner of the advanced class, Alausa Ridwan Abimbola 5th-year student at the finals.

The 1st place winner of the beginner's class, Ukatu Lawrencia Ifunanya, 3rd-year student at the finals RESULTS: There were three groups of participants in the Clinical Skills Event, and the results were as follows: e ad h : s e c Fola O. y a a c l l r : o P e e e s e d nd baro lac Olubuk ophilu lac inka M P 2 a P n t d g 1s uns Y 3r gbo The O id phe gb a v Ste Jon mosun Og a w D a e u l w uwa A l n l e a y o l a u n O man luto o Ebu Tay ide l o nmi uel aila O m i m w m a E o U u S Am Olu or o a mb u k d m o F e gh deyjesu w ai u u ju A Ima s u u l n e j waj a m l a h i e a t r l i o a O j b n o b O Jud An Ola Anj we Ayo i a l g i o m o y m ed kan lea opo ide i a Nd nemere P l S y m O ce e Jo Chi Ola l a u r G ingb Ak Students Today, Pharmacists Tomorrow

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ia renc

ss: Law a l C rs' Ukatu e n in laji e: o b Beg Plac A wa u 1st anya f u Od Ifun : e iyat c n a l a P l G si u 2ndmanue n Sa Em : e c Pla e d d 3r asha Fol

Whatsup Afro n idwa ss: R a l C a ced : Alaus n a Adv Place ubi n t a s a l 1 mbo Op : Abi e c P l a uth yemi d R e n n p i 2 doy to O o o l Ade : Fa ace l P 3rd er Esth

The awards were presented at the closing ceremony which held on the 11th of September, 2016.

A Section of students doing an “energizer� at the opening ceremony.

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FIRST EVER LIT WORKSHOP IN By Temitope Ben-Ajepe NIGERIA!

Temitope.benajepe@gmail.com

IPSF just recently concluded its first-ever Leaders In Training (LIT) workshop in Nigeria and like a good number of participants would gladly agree, it was, without a doubt, lit!

In just three days, friendships were fostered, professionalism was enforced, debates and counter debates raged on and intensive workshop sessions took center stage. The result? Pharmacy students with a renewed zeal to propagate the principles of our profession, skilled to the absolute maximum on how to work effectively and informed on the best ways and methods to do so.

And because all work and no play makes one dull, we had a lot of fun while at it too!

Igbinedion University Okada, Nigeria's premier private university came alive this July 10th, a month notoriously known to be specially reserved for the university's first semester summer makeup program – taking on a more exciting and rewarding quest by playing host to pharmacy students (from the Dora Akunyili College of Pharmacy

and others visiting from fellow pharmacy colleges), pharmacists and resource persons as they made their way into the campus for three days of intensive workshop sessions, interactive awareness campaigns, networking opportunities and general assemblies.

The Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students (PANS, IUO Chapter) under the able leadership of its executive committee began receiving delegates from different parts of the country; Ife, Awka, Jos and even outside the shores of Nigeria from as far away as Rwanda on Sunday, the tenth of July. The next day, the conference began in its earnest. Renowned Nigerian pharmacists weren't left out of the fun too as they made special appearances and charged their younger colleagues with life outside pharmacy school and the endless possibilities that were open to them upon entering the real world. The latter took place in a grand opening ceremony and symposium. Pharmacist Seun Omobo, a WHO Consultant, Chairperson of FIP (International Pharmaceutical Federation) and YPG (Young Pharmacists Group) member, pharmacist Bisi Bright the CEO of Live Well Initiative both reputable pharmacists in their own rights were among the billed speakers who were invited to and graced the event.

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Communication session

If the aim of the whole program was to foster cooperation amongst the upcoming healthcare workforce and generate a pool of skilled students capable of handling a worthy health campaign amongst other mandatory skills, then the workshop was undeniably a huge success as it did exactly that. With a team of competent facilitators and a range of topics under subtopics, information was disseminated, activities were taken head on in several bouts of brainstorming and new frontiers were forged.

Daily sessions commenced at 9am and culminated by 6pm.

There were breaks for lunch and dinner was served at the end of the day. Transportation to and from the venue was hassle free as the school made sure to provide school buses that tackled this problem. A special excursion was organized for visitors from outside the state to visit the state's capital a day after the workshops ended and the night that it did, there was a pool party where participants and trainers got to socialize outside the workshop venue. Not before the goal of the event was achieved however, the workshop did more than just bring people together, it had a lot of informing and educating in its wings.

PANS LIT Photo

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WORLD HEALTH CARE STUDENTS SYMPOSIUM COMING TO AFRICA

By Alphonse Mbarushima IPSF Contact Persona and President RPSA, Rwanda

World Healthcare Students Symposium (WHSS) was founded in 2005, a fruit of a collaboration between 8 organizations: the International Federation of Medical Students Associations, International Veterinary Students Associations, International Pharmaceutical Students Federation, International Association of Dental Students, European Medical Students Association, European Pharmaceutical Students Association, European Dental Students Association and European Confederation for Physical Therapy Students.

The symposium takes place every 2 years. Through the International Pharmaceutical Students' Federation (IPSF), Rwanda Pharmaceutical Students Association won the bid to host that biggest healthcare students' conference in November 2017.

WHSS 2017 will be a good opportunity for networking with stakeholders, representatives, motivated passionate healthcare students and professionals from all corners of the globe. It will involve students of pharmacy, medicine, dentistry, nursing, veterinary medicine, chiropractic medicine and other healthcare professions who will spend 5 days together in the congress to discuss, broaden their minds, and develop new ideas and opportunities from the health sector. The previous

WHSS in 2015 was held in Skopje, Macedonia! “WHSS brings together healthcare students of all backgrounds from all over the world, with whom we share the same dream of making the world a healthier place to live for everyone and 2017 is the year for Africa where RPSA welcomes the world to Rwanda.

There are a lot of things to learn from Rwanda as a country making records every single day- from health issues, security, tourist destinations, cultural practices, economic growth, unity to reconciliation amongst many others. I take this auspicious privilege to welcome you to a country of a thousand hills and looking forward to a successful event that will exceed your expectations�.

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RPSA Countrywide Diabetes Awareness and Education Program By Alphonse MBARUSHIMAN

Every year on November 14th, the world celebrates World Diabetes Day. World Diabetes Day unites the global diabetes community to create a powerful voice for diabetes awareness and advocacy, engaging governments, individuals and communities to bring the diabetes epidemic into the public spotlight and on national agenda. The campaign is truly a global celebration that brings together millions of people all over the world to raise awareness about diabetes and advocate for improved diabetes care and prevention. The global theme of 2016 is: “Eyes on Diabetes” – diabetes can lead to eye disease which can cause blindness if not caught early.It is with this regard that the Rwanda Pharmaceutical Students' Association (RPSA), through its public health office, organized a week of countrywide diabetes awareness and education programs in all provinces of Rwanda, Kigali city, the University of Rwanda and Mount Kenya University. The chief guest was the Hon.

Anastase Murekezi, the Prime Minister of Rwanda who presided over the start of the event. The main aim was to create awareness on checking all of the lifestyle aspects that people engage in that could curb the rising negative impact of this noncommunicable disease. It targeted at sensitizing the community in early detection of their status since prevention is always better than available medicines. The main activities included physical sports (jogging, press ups, skating, cycling, dancing and marathon running), screening glucose, blood pressure testing, measuring waist circumference, body mass index and eye defects inspection and finally offering counseling all for free. “The activity reached more than 12,000 people while 5,486 got screened”.

This was combined with a mass media campaign, public discussion and dissemination of educational materials.

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The splendid Kigali Convention Center which always portrays varying colors of Rwandan flag, was lit up blue in honor of the event. This blue appearance symbolized unity for diabetes. A half marathon, and 5 km run, in the University of Rwanda Huye campus aimed at improving the understanding and knowledge about diabetes in youths and shows them importance of sports in combatting diabetes as a preventive measure to reduce the risks of developing diabetes in the long run.

We partnered with International Pharmaceutical Students Federation through its public health portfolio, the Rwanda Diabetes Association, Rwanda Biomedical Center, Rwanda Ministry of Health and Rwanda Non-communicable Disease Alliance. The media played a big role in mobilization of the event to members of public through TV, and Radio talk shows and social media.

It was a memorable event that gives a wake-up call to everyone on healthy living standards. The RPSA president, Alphonse MBARUSHIMANA, in his speech at Huye district said, “Continued efforts to raise awareness are vital to encourage every stakeholder to take a more proactive role in the prevention of diabetes, educating populations about healthy living, sensitizing the general population for early diagnosis of diabetes, and to ensure that those with the condition receive appropriate support and care will always be our role as future professionals.�

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IPSF AfRO Newsletter

Whatsup Afro

RPSA Celebrates World Pharmacist Day

By Alphonse Mbarushima

Every year, on the 25th of September, all pharmacy professionals, students and other health care providers celebrate World Pharmacists Day with different activities, community services, and fun as well. This year, the theme was “Pharmacist: caring for you�. The Rwanda Pharmaceutical Students Association got involved in an of week activities organized by the National Pharmacy Council (NPC), welcomed first-year pharmacy students and more so hosted a television talk show.

In the same week, RPSA volunteers went to secondary schools for pharmacy professional awareness purposes where they inspired students in secondary schools on what pharmacy is and its impact on the health and future of society.

Furthermore, RPSA welcomed the first-year pharmacy students to the School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Rwanda and

encouraged them to do their best in the profession they chose as their lifelong career while sharing with them the opportunities and challenges to be addressed in the profession.

This very best event was merged with a farewell dinner for the recent pharmacy graduates where it brought together 207 pharmacy students and recent graduates discussing their role in making a better community they deserve to be in and what they should do to make sure the next generation will keep rocking for the better health of world's population in relations to the role of pharmacists in providing care to the public. This was even attenuated in the television talk show as a pharmacy professional awareness campaign by RPSA members from Mount Kenya University.

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IPSF AfRO Newsletter

Whatsup Afro

ZIMBABWE COMMEMORATES PHARMACY WEEK

By Bakani M. Ncube

The Zimbabwe Pharmacy Students Association (ZPSA) successfully held the annual Pharmacy Week event, now termed National Medicines Week. This was a platform where pharmacy students, in collaboration with practicing pharmacists, promoted public health through a week-long campaign. The Pharmacy Week was fully supported by the Pharmaceutical Society of Zimbabwe (PSZ), the representative body of pharmacists in Zimbabwe. This year's event was held under the theme, PHARMACISTS: CARING FOR YOU. This theme was chosen to reflect the important role of pharmacists in providing care to the public, and also to highlight the emotional connection they have with their patients. The role of pharmacists has evolved from that of a provider of medicines to that of a provider of care. We as pharmacists were here to put our patients and

beloved community members first. We proved that there is more to us than just our characteristic white lab coats and dispensing drugs behind a counter.

Our objectives during this year's National Medicines Week, as both University of Zimbabwe and Harare Institute of Technology pharmacy students, were to educate the public on the role of pharmacists in society. Our goal was to create public awareness of drug abuse and proper drug disposal, to increase awareness on the dangers and effects of drug abuse, to help decrease medication errors, to increase patient compliance, to ensure that all those with chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure (hypertension) are better able to manage their health and the condition, and finally -to build strong pharmacist-patient relations as we are ultimately here to serve.

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Pharmacy week in Harare

Pharmacy week in Bulawayo

The National Medicines Week, which had an average of 165 people a day, ran from the 19th 24th of September. Public health education workshops were done in Harare (19th -25th) and Bulawayo (23rd-24th ) where we promoted public awareness on the chronic conditions, diabetes and hypertension, and served 175 people over the 2 days. In Beitbridge (24th of September), we educated the public about antimicrobial resistance, counterfeit medicines, disposal of medicines, and pharmacists against

drug abuse. The week ended on a high note as we celebrated World Pharmacists Day on the 25th at Long Cheng Plaza in Harare. Overall, the National Pharmacy Week was a success with each day presenting its own, sometimes unique, challenges. We overcame them the best we could. In 2015, a total number of 662 people attended pharmacy week and this year 763 people were served.

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AFRICAN REGIONAL OFFICE /@IPSFAfRO

www.afro.ipsf.org

International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation African Regional Office