PH MAGAZINE 3

FEATURED: UNIVERSAL

RATIONAL

BLOOD

FOOD

SEP

IPSF

HEALTH

DRUG

COVERAGE

USE

DONATION

SAFETY

-

‘SIJAKUJA’

TESTIMONIAL

AfPS

TESTIMONIAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS Editor Remarks

Page 2

Contributors

Page 4

The PH Magazine

Page 5

Introduction to KEPhSA About KEPhSA Executive Committee Message from the President

Page 6 Page 8 Page 9

Our Community and Affiliates International Pharmaceutical Students' Federation Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya Hospital Pharmacists Association of Kenya Kenya Association of Pharmaceutical Industry

Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 13

Articles Smart Anti-epide Robotic Solutions Rational Drug Use Blood Donation Donate Blood Save Lives How to Protect Mental Health in the New COVID-19 World Universal Health Coverage Food Safety - 'Sijakuja' Vibrio Pathogens Safe Maternal and Newborn Care

Page 15 Page 18 Page 21 Page 25 Page 28 Page 30 Page 36 Page 39 Page 41

Poem - Ow The Mirror Doesn’t Lie

Page 44

IPSF AfPS Testimonial - A Recount by Sandra Chebet

Page 47

SEP Testimonial - My Experience in Uganda

Page 53

Events

Page 56

Contact Information

Page 61

The PH Magazine Edition 3

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EDITOR REMARKS

The PH Magazine Edition 3

CONTRIBUTORS June Lokwee Petronilla Wakio Prachi Patel Michelle Wairimu Khushi A. Patel Silvanus Manyala Sravya Sunnam Sandra Chebet Ashil Lakhani Jeckonia Onyango Janice Odhiambo

Note: The opinions of the authors are in no way indicative of the position of KEPhSA

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INTRODUCTION The PH Magazine is an educational and scientific publication that covers articles, short stories, poems, infographics and the latest news relevant to members of KEPhSA and is published annually. The magazine aims to promote the professional development of the students as well as trigger their imagination into unresolved possibilities to shape future practice in the profession and is intended to draw on market trends in the pharma sector and healthcare space at large. This is the third edition.

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INTRODUCTION TO KEPhSA

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The Pharmacy Students Association of Kenya (KEPhSA) is a national non-governmental, nonpolitical, non-religious and non-profit umbrella association for the seven Pharmacy students' associations in Kenya. We are mandated to promote public health education and advocate for pharmacy students’ welfare and professional development. We promote cohesion among our members through the various local chapters (students associations in the different schools) who together take part in professional development activities, community service as well as team building and fun events that bring all its members together towards the promotion of the healthcare sector. We represent approximately 2500 members (Bachelor of Pharmacy undergraduate students and recent graduates up to four years post-graduation).

KEPhSA was established in 2012 and is registered under the Societies Act Cap 108 of the Laws of Kenya. The two main roles include fostering cohesion among Pharmacy students in the country through the creation of a common platform of engagement and to advance the study and practice of the profession of Pharmacy. Our members are based at the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology, Mount Kenya University, Kenya Methodist University, United States International University – Africa, Kabarak University and Maseno University. Membership in the association is open to all students pursuing a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree in the country through their local university pharmacy students’ associations hereby referred to as “Chapters”. We are made up of eight (8) local chapter associations that include: Nairobi University Pharmacy Students Association (NUPSA) Kenyatta University Pharmacy Students Association (KUPhSA) JKUAT Pharmacy Students Association (JPSA) Mount Kenya University Pharmacy Students Association (MKUPSA) Kenya Methodist University Pharmacy Students Association (KeMUPSA) Kabarak University Pharmacy Students Association (KUPSA) USIU-A Pharmacy Student Body *Pharmacy Students Association of Maseno University (PSAMU) KEPhSA acts as the link between the students and the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF), the oldest international student organization and the largest organization for Pharmacy students around the globe with which it is affiliated. As a

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member organization, KEPhSA is an active member of the African Regional Office of IPSF, more commonly regarded as IPSF AfRO. Every year, members of the association take up leadership positions and volunteer responsibilities in the Federation and this has since spotted the umbrella body for Pharmacy students in Kenya on the global map and promoted its reputation.

There are different categories of membership for KEPhSA as specified below: 1. Full membership 2. Associate membership 3. Honorary Membership 4. Affiliate/Society Membership 5. Fellowship Other notable responsibilities of the association include: Promoting the role of pharmacists as integral members of the healthcare teams in order to allow full utilization of pharmaceutical knowledge in medical practice through integration and engagement with other associations in conducting activities aligned to the same.

Collaborating and fostering understanding with pharmacy training institutions and the regulator in order to improve the quality of Pharmacy education in Kenya.

Promoting Pharmaceutical education and application of pharmaceutical knowledge for the good health of mankind by organizing and holding periodic meetings of the association for professional, educational and social purposes.

Encouraging members to participate in extra class activities by organizing refreshing events such as picnics, hikes and other team-building initiatives.

Promoting interest and participation in the advancement of the pharmacy profession, pharmaceutical education and professional service to the public by supporting and actively participating in relevant projects.

Working closely with partners and affiliates to create efficient mentorship and networking opportunities to aid the advancement of the Pharmacy career professionally.

Provides an avenue through which members can voice their concerns, opinions, ideas and issues relating to activities, policies, and practice in the Pharmacy profession.

As an association, KEPhSA is proud to be the unifying factor amongst Pharmacy students and recent graduates all over the country. For more information visit their website www.kephsa.org and connect with them on social media pages (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube).

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Pharmacy Students Association of Kenya! If I had to rank national associations, then this one would be numberless. Why? This is just more than the association. KEPhSA is a home. It is a niche, where you are accommodated at. A place where you get your expectations met, your energy revitalized, your dreams and vision shared and multiple opportunities at your desk. It is a unique association, you agree? Yes, you do. So this is what I would tell anyone about KEPhSA besides our mission, vision and objectives.

At KEPhSA, the mission is to foster unity among pharmacy students and pharmacists through promoting the exchange of information, collaborations, training, and upholding the integrity and professionalism in inpatient care. This is the set guideline that my team worked with.

Every initiative we introduced was based on the mission statement. As a team, our belief is that we are getting to interact with professionals. There are many challenges facing the profession right now: antimicrobial resistance, and ethical issues. That aside, we know we have the solutions at hand: antimicrobial stewardship, patient care, and Medication Therapy Management. Therefore we are raising a generation of pharmacists that will be fervent. One that will make a positive difference in their fields. A group that will hold the profession of a pharmacist relevant. We all would like to be the pharmacists that our old folks would visit and consult every time, right?

I am student at Kabarak University. Uh, I do several activities out of class: rugby athlete, graphic designer, strategist and social group director. I am driven by a motto, “To share dreams and visions, to create an influence and make a better world”. My hope is to see every pharmacy student making a positive difference, being relevant, being the point of influence and being a solution giver.

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OUR COMMUNITY AND AFFILIATES

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The International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF) was founded in 1949 by eight pharmacy student associations in London, United Kingdom. The Federation now represents approximately 500,000 pharmacy students and recent graduates in 100 countries worldwide.

IPSF is the leading international advocacy organisation for pharmacy and pharmaceutical science students. We promote improved public health through the provision of information, education, and networking opportunities as well as a range of publications and professional activities.

IPSF initiatives focus on the areas of public health, pharmacy education, and professional development. Initiatives include multiple public health campaigns, research on issues in pharmacy education and workforce development, the Student Exchange Programme, organising international and regional events, and publication of the IPSF newsletters in pharmacy education and student exchange, among other responsibilities.

KEPhSA is recognized as a Full Member of IPSF. We take part in major decision-making processes for the Federation. Our activities as an association have been acknowledged and appreciated on the global stage and we are proud that our members are also actively involved in the Federation's projects, activities and leadership.

More information can be accessed through the IPSF website: www.ipsf.org

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The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) is a representative organization that was formed to enable Pharmacists to employ their professional expertise in the care of patients.

Established in 1964, PSK has its roots in the Pharmaceutical Society of East Africa, which was registered in 1950. Since its formation, PSK continues to promote a common standard for professional conduct and a code of ethics for its members, as well as advocate for the welfare of Pharmacists.

Main Objectives To advance the practice of Pharmacy To create and maintain a standard for professional conduct and a code of ethics To foster a high standard of control over the quality and distribution of medicines and other pharmaceutical products.

To promote the role of pharmacists as integral members of the healthcare team to ensure rational drug use To facilitate information exchange between PSK members, other healthcare professionals, consumers, and pharmaceutical and allied industries.

Rationale PSK was established due to the need to enhance the quality of Pharmacy practice and keep members up-to-date with changes in Pharmacy practice, the law relating to Pharmacy and the latest technology applicable to Pharmacy.

The society works in partnership with relevant government organs, other health professional organizations and development partners on a series of public health campaigns aimed at educating the public on health issues.

More information can be accessed through the PSK website: www.psk.or.ke

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The Hospital Pharmacists Association of Kenya (HOPAK) provides a dynamic platform for the exchange of knowledge among sector players to enhance their contributions to health. We provide timely scientific programs, ongoing education, opportunities for networking, and professional development.

Mission To advance and support the professional practice of pharmacists in hospitals.

To serve as their collective voice on issues related to medication use and public health.

To provide a forum for professional exchange.

Represent members in pertinent local and international bodies.

More information can be accessed through the PSK website: www.hopak.or.ke

The Kenya Association of Pharmaceutical Industry (KAPI) is a membership organization that was founded in the late 1960s to promote an ethical, innovative and responsible healthcare industry. KAPI draws its membership from Research and Development based companies or their local representatives who aim to supply innovative products to meet the needs of Kenya's growing population. KAPI is currently composed of the main R&D Pharmaceutical Innovator Companies that have a presence in Kenya including Vaccine, Healthcare, Medical Device Companies, Diagnostics and Veterinary Healthcare Companies. KAPI's vision is to lead in the provision of innovative world-class quality healthcare solutions, products and services.

KAPI's core values are Relationships, Ethics, Excellence and Integrity.

More information can be accessed through the KAPI website: www.kapikenya.org

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ARTICLES

By June Lokwee - Kabarak University

THE PH MAGAZINE EDITION 3

By June Lokwee, Kabarak University If you talk to a man in his own language it

The Government of Japan for a long time

goes to his heart, if you talk to them in a

has been very supportive of our own country

language, they understand it goes to his

in terms of socioeconomic and health

head. The head easily forgets. Whichever

development programs. This donation was a

criteria the United Nations Development

fulfilment of the promise previously made

Programme used to name the piloted smart

by Mr Motegi Toshimitsu on his visit to

anti-epidemic robots to both Rwanda and

Kenya on the 13th of January to help in

Kenya, it worked. The five Rwandan robots

constraining the virus. Other than the robots,

named: Mwiza, Akazuba (sun), Ngabo (shield),

Japan had previously donated PCR testing

Ikizere

were

kits to about 50,000 and help in the

contextualized names that represent the

development of electric power distribution

spirit of the nation that emerged from the

systems to help in the medical field in

1994 genocide against the Tutsi. If you’re a

combating the virus.

(hope)

and

Urumuri

(light)

lover of language like I am, you definitely enjoyed learning those ones.

The three robots have the capacity to scan between 10 to 100 people per minute from a

The Government of Japan in collaboration

distance of up to 3.5 meters, limiting direct

with

contact. They will also be used to disinfect

the

Programme

United

Nations

donated

three

Development smart

anti-

hospitals

and

airports

and

disseminate

epidemic robotic solutions to the Kenyan

public health messages about Covid-19.

government.

namely:

They can detect individuals without masks,

Tumaini (Hope), Jasiri (Courage) and Shujaa

those wearing them improperly and issue

(Hero) as a nod to the zealous characters

alerts to the user and officials for immediate

epitomized by healthcare workers who have

corrective measures. They also record audio

been on the frontline in the fight against the

and video data and notify the manning

disease since last year, were handed over to

authorities

the ministry of health on the 22nd January

unusually

2021. They are meant to help in countering

aforementioned

the COVID-19 virus by assisting the frontline

disinfection. Information technology (IT) and

health care workers in taking of patient’s

health workers who are stationed at areas of

temperatures and diagnoses. This is meant to

deployment of the robots have been trained

cut the amount of time that doctors and

on how to use them.

The

three

robots

on

anomalies

high

such

as

temperature and

do

an as

immediate

nurses spend in direct contact with patients reducing the risk of contracting COVID-19.

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One of the robots will be stationed at the

UNDP Kenya Resident Representative Walid

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)

Badawi said the robotic solutions will help

which is a crucial entry point for thousands of

mitigate the inherent risks of Covid-19 through

visitors and a potential hotspot in importing

temperature screening, mask detection and

and spreading the disease. The other two will

automatic disinfection, adding that the body is

be stationed at Kenyatta National Hospital

engaging

(KNH) and Mbagathi Hospital to support the

companies on the maintenance of the robots.

with

private

sector

technology

efforts of frontline health care practitioners there.

We hope for the very best and that this would end as soon as it ever could. The minister of health

Mutahi

Kagwe

mentioned

that

the

placement of the robots at the airports will be an easier way of checking temperatures and ease the entry of tourists into our country as we proceed with this battle.

Even though COVID-19 is the new normal, we still hope that at the end of our heroes will do us proud.

RATIONAL DRUG USE

Promoting rational use of medicines

By Silvanus Manyala - University of Nairobi

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According to WHO, rational drug use requires that patients receive medications appropriate to their clinical needs, in doses that meet their own individual requirements for an adequate period of time and at the lowest cost to them and their community.

Irrational drug use, therefore, refers to drug usage in ways that are not compliant with the rational use defined above. Irrational use of medicines is a major problem worldwide. WHO estimates that more than half of all medicines are prescribed, dispensed or sold inappropriately, and that half of all patients fail to take them correctly. The overuse, underuse or misuse of medicines results in wastage of scarce resources and widespread health hazards. Examples of irrational use of medicines include use of too many medicines per patient ("polypharmacy"); inappropriate use of antimicrobials, often in inadequate dosage, for non-bacterial infections; over-use of injections when oral formulations would be more appropriate; failure to prescribe in accordance with clinical guidelines; inappropriate self-medication, often of prescription-only medicines; nonadherence to dosing regimes.

There are different aspects of irrational drug use and these could include diagnosis, prescribing, dispensing and patient compliance or adherence. Some of the examples of irrational drug use include incorrect prescribing, use of drugs for wrong indications, misuse and abuse of drugs, and use of drugs with low efficacy when more efficacious drugs exist among others.

Consequences and hazards of irrational use of drugs may lead to ineffective and unsafe treatment, exacerbation and prolongation of illnesses, distress and harm to the patient, high cost of treatment, increased drug resistance, the potential for adverse drug events, higher morbidity and higher mortality rates.

The Drugs and Therapeutics Committee must be involved in educational programs for healthcare professionals. Physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and, indeed, all professionals need constant updating of their skills and knowledge.

This is a big step towards rational drug use for clinical appropriateness and patient safety.

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Key Interventions to Promote More Rational Drug Use According to WHO Establishment of a multidisciplinary national body to coordinate policies on medicine use Use of clinical guidelines Development and use of national essential medicines list Establishment of drug and therapeutics committees in districts and hospitals Inclusion of problem-based pharmacotherapy training in undergraduate curricula Continuing in-service medical education as a licensure requirement Supervision, audit and feedback Use of independent information on medicines Public education about medicines Avoidance of perverse financial incentives Use of appropriate and enforced regulation Sufficient government expenditure to ensure the availability of medicines and staff.

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BLOOD DONATION The PH Magazine Edition 3

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WORLD BLOOD DONOR DAY 2021 Give blood and keep the world beating!

World Blood Donor Day takes place on 14 June

This

extraordinary

each year. The aim is to raise global awareness of

unprecedented crisis highlights the crucial role of

the need for safe blood and blood products for

well-organized,

transfusion and of the critical contribution

remunerated blood donors in ensuring a safe and

voluntary, unpaid blood donors make to national

sufficient

health systems. The day also provides an

emergency times.

blood

effort

during

committed supply

a

time

voluntary,

during

normal

of

nonand

opportunity to call to action to governments and national health authorities to provide adequate

For 2021, the World Blood Donor Day slogan will be

resources and put into place systems and

“Give blood and keep the world beating”. The message

infrastructures to increase the collection of blood

highlights the essential contribution blood donors

from voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors.

make to keeping the world pulsating by saving lives and improving others’ health. It reinforces the

Safe blood and blood products and their

global call for more people all over the world to

transfusion are critical aspects of care and public

donate blood regularly and contribute to better

health. They save millions of lives and improve

health.

the health and quality of life of many patients every day. The need for blood is universal, but

A special focus of this year’s campaign will be the

access to blood for all those who need it is not.

role of young people in ensuring a safe blood supply.

Blood

In many countries, young people have been at the

shortages

are

particularly

acute

in

developing countries.

forefront of activities and initiatives aimed at achieving safe blood supplies through voluntary,

To ensure that everyone who needs safe blood

non-remunerated blood donations. Young people

has access to it, all countries need voluntary,

form a large proportion of the population in many

unpaid

societies and are generally full of idealism,

donors

who

give

blood

regularly.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, despite

enthusiasm and creativity.

limited mobility and other challenges, blood donors in many countries have continued to donate blood and plasma to patients who need a transfusion.

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KEPhSA's CONTRIBUTION World Blood Donor Day Blood Drive

The aim was to sensitize pharmacy students and all students in general on the importance of donating blood and in the process urge them to donate by organizing a blood drive.

The event began with an Instagram Live session, a collaboration between the Media and Publications and Public Health Committees.

The host, Ms Jean Kasudi engaged the guest speaker, Ms Wangari Kinyanjui on Saturday 12th June where they discussed the role of youth in ensuring a safe blood supply and together demystified the process and tackled myths associated with blood donation. Ms Wangari is a Medical student and young researcher at the University of Nairobi.

KEPhSA, through one of its local chapter MKUPSA (Mount Kenya University Pharmacy Students' Association) in collaboration with Mount Kenya University Student Association (MKUSA), Avenue Healthcare, Thika level 5 hospital, Red Cross and the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service then later conducted a week-long blood drive at the MKU CT Grounds The PH Magazine Edition 3

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The idea was pitched by a member of the MKUPSA executive who had undergone a personal experience earlier in the year and had been in need of blood. After the experience, she thought it would be great to organize a blood drive for members of her school both faculty and students to participate in.

The event was coordinated, marketed and executed with amazing efficiency resulting in a huge turnout. The outcome was overwhelming with students, faculty and members of society alike coming out by the numbers to donate. The event attracted close to 600 participants. The total number of pints collected was 365.

The blood drive was surely a success.

The planning took two and a half weeks in which she discussed it with the president

The importance of blood donation to the

of the pharmacy students' association, the chairman of the students association, and

supportive and curative care of patients cannot be emphasized enough and in this

the dean whom all approved. The team then pitched the idea to the hospital in

regard, we as KEPhSA could not be any prouder of the MKU students who showed

which she was treated which agreed to host the drive.

up and set the bar.

The Thika level 5 hospital came in since according to national guidelines, the hospital could not conduct a blood drive independently as a private facility. Medical students were also involved to assist the hospital personnel in facilitation.

With help from KEPhSA and other collaborators, event marketing, promotion and mobilization began a week prior to the event. The chairpersons of various clubs around the school and associations were also encouraged to spread the word. All the mobilization resulted in a total of 365 blood donors at the end of the 5 days.

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DONATE BLOOD SAVE LIVES

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Blood, being one of the most important organ systems in the body, gets depleted under different conditions. The average adult human body has around 5 litres (10.5) pints of blood.

Every 3 seconds, someone needs blood whether in labour, undergoing surgeries, in treatment of cancers or in chronic conditions like anaemia. Blood saves millions of lives annually but the catch is that we can only get it from each other and as they say, when health is absent, wisdom cannot reveal, art cannot manifest, strength cannot fight and intelligence cannot be applied.

The first recorded successful blood transfusion occurred in England in 1665 by Physician Richard Lower who kept dogs alive by transfusing blood from other dogs. The first recorded Human - Human blood transfusion was done by a British obstetrician and physiologist by the name James Blundell in 1818. He injected a patient suffering from internal bleeding during childbirth with 12 to 14 ounces of blood from several donors.

Karl Landsteiner, an Australian physician, discovered the first human blood groups in 1901, helping blood transfusion become a safer practice.

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The legibility of a blood donor depends on different factors as follows: Should weigh at least 50kg.

Blood pressure should be between 90 and 160 systolic and 60 and 100 diastolic.

The pulse rate should be between 60 and 100 beats per minute with a regular sinus rhythm.

Should not be taking drugs of any kind at the time of donation.

Should be at least 16 years old.

Should not have consumed

any

During blood donation: You will be asked to lie on a blood donor's couch for blood collection which will be done by a professional phlebotomist.

The amount of blood which will be taken will be determined by the physician. It will majorly depend on your body weight but it won't exceed 450ml.

This will take another 10-15 minutes.

After blood donation:

alcoholic drinks or beverages 24 hours before donating blood.

You will be advised to rest for about 10 or more minutes.

Should not be suffering from chronic illnesses like cancer, or anaemia.

Beverage and simple snacks will be served to replenish the body.

After a prior donation, men should take 3 months and women 4 months before donating blood again.

Donor education and counselling by an adequately trained professional staff You will be advised to take more fluids

Steps

taken

before

blood

donation

include: Filling up the donor's form Weight measurement Assessment of blood pressure, pulse rate and temperature Medical history taking Donor education and counselling by an adequately trained professional staff Haematologic and blood typing tests The screening and selection procedure takes place for about 10-15 minutes.

Donors are encouraged to give accurate data for their own safety and that of the recipient. All gathered information should be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

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The transfusable components that can be derived from donated blood are red cells, platelets, plasma, cryoprecipitated AHF (cryo), and granulocytes. An additional component, white cells, is often removed from donated blood before transfusion.

People who can benefit from your donated blood include: Leukaemia patients Haemophilia patients Patients suffering from severe blood loss Mothers giving birth with complications Major trauma injury patients Transplant patients

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Advantages of donating blood in the body of the donor include: 1. Blood donation helps to reduce the risk of heart attack and cancer.

2. Blood donation prevents hemochromatosis and helps maintain iron levels.

3. Blood donation helps maintain a healthy liver.

4. Blood donation burns calories and helps in weight loss.

5. Blood donation stimulates blood cell donation.

6. Once someone donates blood, they receive a blood donor's card and they get to know their blood group. The blood donation process is overseen by the National Blood Transfusion Unit.

Remember, when you give blood you give another birthday, another anniversary, another day at the beach, another night under the stars, another talk with a friend, another laugh, another hug and another chance.

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Mental health, defined by the World Health Organization, is "a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community".

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As the world faces a global pandemic, the lives of all humans have drastically changed.

COVID-19 pandemic has shown us how we took for granted simple handshake greetings, a casual hug to a friend, or even just sharing a

Here are a few tips which can help keep our mental health intact: Breathe, pause and relax; do not get worked up, take regular breaks from work and avoid taking unnecessary stress.

Maintain a healthy routine; exercise while staying at home, if possible, choose outdoor locations in the fresh air and a good environment. Take regular walks in parks to relieve yourself from the workload.

meal with your family in a restaurant. All of these played an important role in our mental

Regularly connect with your friends and family; physically or online via several

health for which the previous years have truly been missed.

platforms such as zoom, skype, and Microsoft Teams, and share your

The mind is a very sensitive environment which if disturbed can affect our lifestyle for

thoughts and feelings with each other.

Seek assistance from healthcare professionals when needed.

the rest of our lives. The ongoing pandemic has brought about disturbing moments

This global pandemic has changed how we

across the world, for instance, we have lost about 3.1 million people to this invisible and

have been carrying out our daily activities, such that we have been forced to work and

deadly virus. Over more than 100,000 people in the UK alone were diagnosed with mental health issues in the last year. No matter how much we try to keep ourselves away from drastic news across media platforms, we eventually have to face the reality. And as we all face this challenge, it is important to have our mental well-being stronger than the challenge we are facing, because if we don't remain mentally strong, these challenges shall outweigh our mental health.

study from home. Despite all of this, we have not let the pandemic come our way, so why should we let it affect our mental health?

Finally, in order to fight this common enemy, it is necessary to stay calm and be positive, keep in mind that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Spread awareness on mental health by making use of social media platforms to help people reach out when help is required.

C VERAGE

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Universal Health Coverage means that all people and communities receive the quality health services they need, without financial hardship. This includes the provision of essential, quality health services, from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care. UHC aims to ensure that all people receive essential health services without falling into poverty due to high health expenses.

On 12 December 2012, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) unanimously endorsed a resolution urging countries to accelerate progress toward universal health coverage (UHC) – the idea that everyone, everywhere should have access to quality, affordable health care – as an essential priority for international development.

In 2014, the Universal Health Coverage Coalition started to celebrate 12 December as UHC Day, to commemorate the date on which the UN General Assembly officially recognized the importance of UHC. Since then, the day has become the annual rallying point for the growing global movement for Health for All. By 2015, UHC was officially included in the UN's 2030 Agenda for sustainable development. It has become a critical global health priority around the world. This means that drastic changes are to be made in current complex health systems that elicit societal challenges.

On 12 December 2017, UNGA proclaimed 12 December as International Universal Health Coverage Day (UHC Day) by resolution, making it an official UNdesignated day.

On 23 September 2019, the United Nations General Assembly held a high-level meeting on universal health coverage. This meeting aimed to accelerate progress toward universal health coverage (UHC), including financial risk protection, access to quality essential healthcare services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.

As part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, all countries have committed to trying to achieve universal health coverage by 2030, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential healthcare services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.

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Key barriers to UHC achievement include poor infrastructures, unavailability of basic amenities, out of pocket payments and catastrophic expenditures, shortages and misdistributions of qualified health workers, prohibitively expensive good quality medicines and medical products, and low access to digital health and innovative technologies, among others. Each of these barriers has solutions that not only lead to UHC but also boost the economy and have an important impact on other SDGs. For example, Goal 1 (end poverty), Goal 4 (quality education), Goal 5 (gender equality), Goal 8 (decent work and economic growth), Goal 9 (infrastructure), Goal 10 (reduce inequality), Goal 16 (justice and peace), and Goal 17 (partnerships).

Universal health coverage (UHC) has been adopted as Target 3.8 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a clear goal of ensuring that individuals and communities receive the health services they need without suffering financial hardship.

This includes provision of essential, quality health services, from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care. UHC is a catalyst for socioeconomic development and a key contributor to equity, social justice and inclusive economic growth. UHC delivers on the human right to health as well as the broader human rights agenda.

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UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE

By Jeckonia Onyango Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

INTRODUCTION Universal Health Coverage, wait? What can it mean? Can it be argued as the provision of health care for all! Absolutely. The universal health coverage definition is the provision of free, affordable and accessible health care services to the population, but are the services free?

Absolutely not completely free. Major finances for this are obtained from the taxpayers’ money which the government uses to facilitate the UHC. Any country that needs to develop economically has an obligation to ensure the implementation and incorporation of the UHC in the health system. According to the world health Organization, patients are more willing to practice preventive medicine when free medical services are provided than when charged.

UHC COMPONENT UHC covers the full spectrum of standard and quality health services from promotions, preventions, rehabilitation, palliative care and treatment with the main goal of enabling 99% if not 100% of the population to receive health services addressing the most of the major common causes of diseases and ultimate death and ensure the services are of high quality and able to improve the health of those who have received it. Moreover, it prevents the people from drowning in povertythrough borrowing or using their life savings - by relieving them of the medical financial burden in situations of uncertainty.

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Most countries, including Kenya, set their target in the realization of the UHC, especially when setting up the post -2015 development agender through the Sustainable Development Goals. Milestone development has continued to be seen starting with the adoption of the Health Financing system geared towards realizing the UHC in 2005 by the WHO member states. The adoption postulated that countries that will adopt the system will not only improve in health-related sectors but also enable their citizens to escape poverty and have a possibility for providing the basis for the most sort after long term economic development.

MAKING PROGRESS Many countries are in the process of progression toward the UHC. Kenya for example is in the early stages of implementation of UHC. The statistics can be obtained by analyzing the strategy policy together with the basic National Health Insurance Fund suggesting a number of efforts have been applied to improving accessibility and the financial protection aspect of UHC. The major root of the success of the UHC is the implementation of primary health care which is an approach toward the health and the well-being of families, individuals and communities based on their needs and circumstances. It ensures there is progress towards UHC. The fraction of a population able to access the essential and standard health services and the fraction of the population spending a better part of their income on healthcare are the two major focusing points for tracking the progression of the UHC in different countries used by WHO and World Bank.

CONCLUSION Countries have the ability to stretch out to improve health outcome and handle poverty through increasing the UHC and reduce if not eliminate the impoverishment related with paying of health care services

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REFERENCES Squires, D. Issues in International Health Policy. The Commonwealth Fund, 16, 1-11 World Health Organization: The World Health Report: Health System Financing: The path to universal coverage. Geneva. The World Health Organization: 2010.

Edwin, B. Peter, N and Di, M. Towards universal healthcare coverage in Kenya. Are we on the right path? Home Policy Brief: KEMRI: January 2019

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FOOD SAFETY- ‘SIJAKUJA’

By Michelle Wairimu - Kabarak University

The 7th of June is World Food Safety Day, set aside to draw global attention to the health consequences of contaminated food and water has me reminiscing about the good old highschool days which saw me among the unlucky ones who never got visited during school events.

Or is it the lucky ones? It depends on how you look at it.

During my year 9 (Form 1), I'd call my good folks after I'd searched the entire field for them to no avail only for life to be knocked out of me with "sijakuja". I'd then proceed to class and cry my eyeballs out as the other girls waltzed in with shopping bags bearing goodies (four shopping bags surely Cindy!)

I'd walk around the field, on mastering the courage, and look at families laughing, pulling out folding chairs from cars, setting up tents, splitting pizzas and sharing coke(the soda, thank you very much) and I'd swear to do right by my children one day, I'd vow to never miss a school event, to be those parents who are beeping horns at 8 am by the school gate waiting to be let in, whom other girls say "kama mama ya Amor hajafika bado ni mapema" or "Amor, wewe huna stress, ju wajua gate ikifunguliwa your mum will be driving in." But this is beside the point.

The best part about not being visited is you get to become a food bank, a food bin and get to have yourself a food cocktail. This is supposing your folks are the 'gazeti na maji' type.

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Your classmates and friends come to class and on seeing your red eyes ask "Kwani you were not visited?" and with teary eyes, you say no, and they proceed to make food rain like manna, and after a while you forget you were supposed to be sad… because c'mon it's chapos.

So you sit and eat chapos, another person gives you rice, another pilau, another pizza, pasta, 2-litre soda, tea, rice with carrots, lasagna, chicken, chapos again, crisps, sausages, cake, waffles, bacon, jawbreaker, apples, nyama bites, biscuits, peas, beef, porridge(haha, now am just making stuff up).

The downside to all this is you can't say no. You can't say you are full to rice with carrots, then go ahead to accept a bucket of KFCs, because well let's face it, beggars and choosers don't go together, and they'd probably think you are looking down on their food made with so much love - so you eat everything.

But then comes the food poisoning caused by your self-inflicted food cocktail, gosh, the diarrhoea, which, according to WHO, is the most common illness resulting from the consumption of contaminated food, causing 550 million people to fall ill and 230 000 deaths every year, the abdominal pain, fever, headache, the vomiting, the flatulence, and you curse your inability to say no.

But God reserves a special place in heaven for the parents who brought Eno and painkillers with them during these visits because the school nurses were nowhere to be seen on these days.

And while you are squatting in the toilet doing your business with a whole queue of I don't know how many people waiting for you to get out, you vow that the next visit won't find you have a cocktail, but the next one comes, and the famous line from your parents or guardians after having called them "sijakuja" becomes one you are well accustomed to.

Eno? Anyone?

But soon you enter year 11…year 12...and you grow tough skin, you no longer cry, you no longer call, you no longer eat mixtures of chapati, beef, carrot rice, beans, chicken and porridge at a go(this has more to do with that you got a severe stomach infection that almost killed you) you've grown, you've accepted that this is how life is for you, food poisoning, that's a thing of the past, you now just shake your head at other girls. You know better.

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Did you know that An estimated 600 million – almost 1 in 10 people in the world – fall ill after eating contaminated food and 420 000 die every year with 125000 of the deaths being children under the age of 5?

I'll end this with my favourite food quote, "The only time to eat diet food is while you are waiting for the steak to cook" ~Julia Child.

With love, Michelle M.

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By Sravya Sunnam USIU - Africa These small pathogens are gram-negative, y-proteobacteria that are pervasive in marine, estuarine and freshwater environments. They not only can cause vibriosis disease but in fact can engender serious blood, gastrointestinal and wound infections. The CDC has categorized these bacteria as a facultative anaerobe which initially and often is mild but can turn lethal. Vibriosis infection is typically caused by about a dozen species of vibrio bacteria and these species typically possess 2 chromosomes which already show how uniquely menacing this microorganism can be, each having an independent origin of replication. V. cholerae, V. vulnifucus and V. parahaemolyticus have been identified as the most lifethreatening species causing cholera. Their potential to cause more fatal diseases is underestimated yet.

These tiny bacteria can even give rise to cholera, lethal skin infections and even necrotizing fasciitis, leading to needing painful limb amputation.

About 80,000 illnesses and 100 deaths are reported every year in the US: as researched by the CDC. Trendiest restaurants nearby that sell those raw oyster bars or tastier seafood can easily trigger infections by the v. vulnifucus. This can lead to diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and even other fatal blood infections and severe blistering skin lesions. Septicemia (wound infections) is also common due to this vibrio species and is said to be fatal since it can destroy the soft tissue with hemorrhagic bullae. It can cause severe inflammation and lead to sepsis. Skin especially with wounds or even the smallest cuts and tattoos, being exposed to brackish water or warm seawater containing these bacteria; maybe during swimming, fishing or boating can easily get infected. 1 out of 5 people can die due to this species. Underlying conditions make risks even larger such as having diabetes, cancer, alcoholism and other liver and chronic diseases.

V. parahaemyoclitus are the common cause of diarrheal diseases worldwide as said by the WHO. The elderly and the lower-income people especially in the coastal areas are thought to be the most disadvantaged. This specie as well can cause gastroenteritis and almost half of the foodborne diseases in Asian countries. It can cause severe dehydration that may even result in kidney failures and worse for immunocompromised people. Even in sturdy adults, these bacteria can cause more serious forms of food poisoning that cause high fever and even bloody diarrhoea.

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Vibrio cholerae can easily attach itself to the walls of crabs, shrimps, shellfish etc. Food or water contaminated with these bacteria can widely cause cholera when ingested. It still remains a great threat to public health as researchers estimate 1.3 to 4 million cases every year. This virulent disease can lead to severe acute watery diarrhoea and what makes it easily spread is through the removal of these bacteria through the faeces, and unfortunately, if any contaminated water is shed back into the environment, it can potentially infect other people. Peri-urban slums and overcrowded camps where there’s a lack of sanitation can easily increase the risk of transmission. The number of cases still continued to be high even over the last few years as the WHO reported 923,037 cases in 2019 over 31 countries. It is a re-emerging disease which is sporadic and people should be more aware of how the severity can cause extreme dehydration and even death.

Creating awareness, taking precautions and working together to combat these dreadful bacteria are of importance to change the fate of our health. One should avoid eating undercooked seafood such as oysters or even crabs, open wounds should be not getting in contact with seawater, especially above 20 degrees Celsius or even with raw food juices, wash hands thoroughly and wear gloves when handling seafood. Good hygiene is ultimately the way to prevent intestinal bacteria and even drinking lots of water after extreme dehydration.

The world should be more aware of what vibrio can do and how to prevent themselves even from those multiple symptoms and illnesses. Scientists in England discovered in Feb 2021, how a dormant vibrio bacteria (v. parahaemolyticus) can easily revive in rising sea levels, which is even more prevalent due to increased global warming. Most of these bacteria can easily arise due to undercooked sea foods having lactate dehydrogenase essential for maintaining bacterial dormancy and can change shape and probably even become more fatal.

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"The well-being of mothers and newborns should be an important public health goal."

SAFE MATERNAL AND NEWBORN CARE

BY PRACHI PATEL: USIU-AFRICA

The

well-being

of

mothers

and

and should be viewed from both a

newborns should be an important

human

public health goal. According to the

perspective.

World Health Organization, maternal

deserves to have a healthy start in life,

and newborn health is of importance

and every mother must have access to

to every person, society and country,

affordable, high-quality healthcare

rights Every

and

well-being

newborn

child

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during

pregnancy,

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and

after

childbirth.

Newborn health is the babies’ first month of life and it is extremely necessary to ensure sure the babies

In the recent decades, there has been

are well taken care of. This is because

a significant reduction in maternal

a healthy start during the first few

and newborn deaths, such that the

weeks influences infancy, childhood,

newborn mortality rate was almost

and

halved between the years 1990 and

fundamental

2018.

that

health and development. The first

maternal and newborn mortality rates

month of a newborn is a crucial

are still unacceptably high in several

period for child survival; it is this

countries mainly due to treatable

period during which the risk of death

causes such as infectious diseases and

is extremely high compared to any

complications during pregnancy and

other period during childhood. It is

childbirth. The main reason for this

important to provide good-quality

high mortality rate in mothers and

care to the babies during this period

newborns is due to uneven access to

for the growth of healthy babies;

affordable and high-quality health

healthy

care in many countries.

adults who can thrive and contribute

However,

it

is

noted

adulthood

because

period

babies

it

for

grow

into

is

a

lifelong

healthy

to their communities and societies.

According to UNICEF, about 7,000 newborn babies die within the first

To

month of life, and about 810 women

mortality

die

preventable

elimination of preventable causes of

pregnancy-related complications. It

maternal and newborn death, it is

has been predicted that if this trend

important

continues, about 48 million children

care to all pregnant women before,

under the age of five are expected to

during,

die between 2020 and 2030, out of

Government intervention is necessary

which half of them are newborns.

for creating an environment that

“The birth of a new child should be a

supports medical staff in improving

time for celebration, and yet for many

the

women around the world, it is a time

expectant mothers, newborn babies,

of fear.”

and their mothers. High-quality care

each

day

from

end

maternal and

to

move

provide

and

quality

and

of

after

care

neonatal

towards

the

high-quality childbirth.

provided

to

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is essential to the right to health and the

route

to

equity

and

the

preservation of dignity for women and children according to the World Health Organization.

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POEMS

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By Khushi A. Patel USIU - Africa

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IPSF AfPS Testimonial

In April 2021, after finishing my end of level three University of Nairobi exams, I participated in the IPSF AfRO Essay Competition under the theme of "Planetary Health Dialogues: Perspectives of the youth and pharmacists in a global pandemic".

I guess it’s true that everything suddenly gets a hundred times more interesting either just before or after you take a shower; because on one uneventful June afternoon while on holiday, I happened to be on my phone just before hitting the shower when I read an email and learnt that I had taken the first position in the essay competition. The email also stated that I would be awarded during the gala night at the African Pharmaceutical Symposium (AfPS) in Bamako, Mali in July. I knew about the symposium (which I can describe as the biggest gathering of pharmacy students in Africa), but I was reluctant to attend for several reasons. However, with this new development, I was surely pumped about attending so I registered.

We had a webinar during which the Reception Committee (RC) for the 9th IPSF African Pharmaceutical Symposium in Mali informed us where we would be staying, venues for the sessions, and the social events that would take place during the symposium. If you know me, you know that I like to prepare, so I planned and got outfits for those events, especially for the international night, where everyone dresses up according to their country’s cultures and designs; and the gala night where people piga luku! Preparing to travel and attend the symposium in about a month demanded a lot, but it was worth all that went into it. The trip to Mali was my first solo international trip, and that had its own challenges, but I was very excited, especially on my way there. Despite the long hours of travel, I did not sleep a wink during my layover, which was about seven hours long!

I arrived in Bamako at around midnight, and Mr Moussa Fofana, the then Chairperson of the Reception Committee picked me up at the airport. We made sure to get a photo of me holding up the Kenyan flag, as most other delegates arriving from other countries

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did too (it was kind of an unspoken custom to

daytime sessions very interesting for me. I

“announce” that a country was represented).

also fancied, and I still do, how the West

I should also mention that Mr Moussa and

Africans don Ankara outfits to official events.

myself ended up at the airport again the next

I loved the beautiful Ankara patterns,

day, same time, to pick up my luggage, which

colours, and designs, for both men and

had been delayed for about 24 hours.

women. I couldn’t get more than a sip of the Thé Achoura (green tea, taken as a shot in

I was the only delegate from Kenya that year,

one go) down my throat though, it was very

but at no point did I feel alone. I connected

bitter. All I can say about the heat is “Wueh!”,

and bonded with the other delegates quickly.

but for sure, I enjoyed the sights, sounds, and

From my interactions with delegates from

scents of Mali.

other countries like Uganda, South Africa, Cameroon, Guinea, Nigeria, Sierra Leone,

During the day, we had sessions with notable,

and Mali, I realized how similar we are

carefully selected speakers. My favourite

despite our different backgrounds and

session was on “Resilience of African

cultures. Truly, we are one people. I consider

countries to public health emergencies –

myself very fortunate because even though

progress, gaps and future projections”. In the

we only shared 6 days in person, I made

afternoons,

genuine connections and I look forward to

development events and my favourite one

meeting these friends at future symposia and

was on Infection Prevention and Control.

we

had

professional

other pursuits in our pharmacy profession.

During the first day of the post-symposium

Malians are very friendly and hospitable. I

tour, I got to marvel at the beautiful

was met with a smile most times when I

landscapes: a waterfall site, the Kamadjan

turned to someone. I was also amazed by the

Arch, and the expansive rock mountains of

number of female motorbike cyclists in

the region of Siby in Southern Mali. Again, if

Bamako. And they ride in their long dresses!

you know me, you know that I took countless

(Well, this is possible because the bikes have

photos, which are now memories that I

the design of a scooter). This made the bus

cherish and revisit every so often.

rides from the hotel to the venue for our

The 9th IPSF-AfPS was held in Bamako, Mali in the last year under the theme, “Uniting through the 2030 agenda to achieve Universal Health Coverage in Africa: Challenges and Perspectives”

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If you forget what you’ve just read, forget these not: The International Pharmaceutical Students Federation – African Regional Office (IPSF-AfRO) organises the African Pharmaceutical Symposium (AfPS) annually.

Everyone can attend the Symposium!

AfRO is a vibe!

The five Regional Offices of IPSF organise Regional Symposia annually, and they usually last for at most 7 days. The African Pharmaceutical Symposium is the annual regional symposium for AfRO hosted in Africa. It is a one of a kind event hosted by an African country that seeks to improve the relations between pharmacy students from different countries, backgrounds, and cultures, and give them the chance to learn, create, and show their potential early on in their journey to becoming competent professionals and health leaders. The annual event features lectures from experienced professionals, educational and scientific symposia on current world problems, workshops that focus on sharpening various skills required of pharmacy students, and training that help students become great leaders, as well as many other programs that help us to be connected with the global pharmaceutical family.

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The next IPSF AfPS (10th edition) will be held in the neighbouring East African country, Tanzania in the city of Dar es Salaam under the theme “Pharmaceutical evolution in the era of technological advancement; the present and the future”. The host is the Tanzania Pharmaceutical Students’ Association (TAPSA). The AfPS is sub-divided into three (3) main parts: Leaders-In-Training (LIT) Leaders-In-Training (LIT) program is primarily aimed to train pharmacy students interested in taking up leadership roles at the local, national or IPSF level to become better leaders and ensure that there is a certain standard of leadership amongst new leaders every year. It is a training-based program designed to empower and equip with the knowledge and skills to be effective leaders. Topics covered in the program include Personal Development, Communication, Project Management, and Succession Planning among others.

Main Symposium This is the core part of the Symposium and will include academic sessions, scientific sessions, and professional development events among other exciting activities.

Post-Symposium Tour (PST) The site of interest is the Island of Zanzibar. Delegates will get to visit the island and enjoy the culture, and the tourist sites and learn more about Tanzania during the excursion.

More information about the 10th IPSF AfPS and registration details can be accessed on their website (www.afps.ipsf.org) or on their various social media pages. We hope that KEPhSA will be represented massively.

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SEP Testimonial

By Janice Odhiambo

Travelling out of your country offers a unique opportunity to learn without even trying.

Travelling alone is even more thrilling, you are stepping into an unknown world, alone.

SEP offered me this opportunity to adapt to globalisation. I went on exchange in Uganda for a short and sweet two weeks. I remember the excitement and anxiety I had because it was my first time leaving the country and it was going to be my first time dispensing drugs as I had just completed my second year. As you can already guess my knowledge of drugs was minuscule but boy was I determined because again, what is life without taking a few risks? Some adrenaline here and there. Quick forward, I’m already in Uganda and I’m conversing with a recent pharmacy graduate. “Why Uganda? If you were to die today and go to hell it’d take you one week to realize you’re there”. His exact words. Like you, I was also shocked but I was convinced that I had made the right decision for this destination. which brings me to the question why Uganda? Well, for my work I wanted clinical pharmacy and the Uganda Cancer Institute ticked all the right boxes from their patient-centric approach, cutting-edge technology, and a culture of excellence just to name a few. Socially, I wanted to go to the “Pearl of Africa” and experience it for myself.

My host picked me up from the bus stop and took me for lunch in one of the nice restaurants around Makerere University. I was elated to be having Ugandan food.

Ugandan matoke, peanut sauce and nicely done aromatic chicken. Did I tell you I had legit Ugandan Rolex? Speaking of which, Ugandan food was interesting to me. Unlike Kenya where we mostly have a single starch option per meal, Ugandans preferred mixing like three or four with matoke being boss and peanut sauce following closely. I was settled in by my host with the help of two lovely ladies. Rumour has it that Ugandans are kind people and these two were the epitome of kindness, always checking up on me and helping where they could. The SEO was far in the west doing her exams but always made sure to call and ensure I was enjoying my stay. She even got me a beautiful gift. I was placed at the Uganda Cancer Institute which I can term a centre of excellence for cancer treatment in East Africa. All cancer treatment options are available there - from chemotherapy to surgery and radiotherapy. They have quality...

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...chemo drugs from the best pharma industries and most importantly, all of these are free. My stay here was short-lived but it was the best way to usher me into the professional world of clinical Pharmacy practice. Patients would walk to the counter, “Musawo! Musawo!”, and then proceed to explain their case in their local dialect.

Unfortunately, musawo had to cut short the patient because it was all Greek to me. The working environment was excellent, staff was more than willing to help because I was a novice. The experience was invaluable considering this is an international institution.

Uganda was kind to me. I loved it. You will surely also love it. I had planned on doing more just that time was really limited. I’d recommend SEP to all students because the cumulative travel costs are significantly reduced given that you can get a host family to accommodate you. You also get to experience pharmacy systems in a different country from the curriculum to work. You’ll get International buddies. Seeing a different way of life stretches your mind. A few things to prepare for your SEP journey: passport, negative Covid test, your visa (if need be), Yellow Fever Vaccination, and a recommendation letter from your dean.

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EVENTS

The World Pharmacists Day campaign is celebrated every year and provides an opportunity to promote the pharmacy profession. The theme for 2021 was "Pharmacy: Always trusted for you health". As the Pharmacy Students Association of Kenya 9KEPhSA) we ensured we take part in this global commemoration by organizing and carrying out a series of online webinar sessions a few days before culminating with World Pharmacists Day which took place in MKU, Thika under the sub-theme "Together through tough times".

We hosted Dr Elizabeth Itotia, a Nuclear Pharmacist at the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital (KUTRRH) where she works as the Radiopharmaceuticals Quality Assurance Manager and as the Head of the Department of Radiopharmacy. She presented on radiopharmacy and why it should be a field of focus whilst sharing her journey in the said field of study. We also hosted Dr James Riungu (Chief of Party Afya Ugavi Activity), Dr Heather Njuguna (Procurement and Supply Chain Specialist and Dr Johnson Anyona (Supply Chain Lead at Access Collaborative - PATH/JSI and Supply Chain Advisor t InSupply Kenya). The three presented on Supply Chain Logistics in the Pharmaceutical Industry.

The climax of the celebrations was marked by an eventful day with participation from all the seven chapters at the time. Some of the events included a Clinical Skills competition, compounding competition, pharma quiz, strategy management, pharmacolympics, and patient counselling event, among others.

The event was supported by the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) and Kenya Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (KAPI).

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Pharmacy Students, alumni and invited guests attended the annual dinner held at Roasters Inn along Thika Road Highway on the evening of 3rd July 2021. The KEPhSA annual dinner is a social event that brings all Pharmacy students in Kenya together to celebrate the events that have taken place during the year, socialise amongst ourselves, network with professionals and other members, present awards and most importantly have a great time off school and work in an entertainment-filled dinner.

Some of the achievements of the KEPhSA 2020/2021 team include the development and launching of the association’s official website, setting up an official LinkedIn page, publishing the second edition of the annual PH Magazine, introducing and launching the association’s quarterly newsletter (The Phuse) among other notable activities and initiatives. These were some of the highlights of the year and absolutely deserved reasons for acknowledgement during the dinner.

The event was graced by the presence of Dr Davji Bhimji Atellah, Secretary-General of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), who was the Chief Guest.

IPSF World Congress is featured with symposia, workshops, professional development events, public health campaigns, social events and much more.

"At the 67th IPSF World Congress, Hurghada, Egypt, 2022, you will get the chance to explore our beautiful country filled with breathtaking landmarks, mouth-watering cuisines, and intriguing places where the old meets the new all while enriching your pharmaceutical knowledge. Not to mention the already given fact of having fun and making new friends from around the globe!

What makes this IPSF World Congress extra special is the fact that IPSF has not held one inperson in 2 years. So EPSF, Egypt is honoured to host such a wonderful community in August 2022 and is more than excited for everyone to experience the hospitality of the land of the Pharaohs!" (adapted from the IPSF World Congress website).

More information about the 67th IPSF World Congress and registration details can be accessed on their website (www.congress.ipsf.org) or on their various social media pages. We hope that KEPhSA will be represented massively.

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CONTACT INFORMATION

PRESIDENT kephsa.ke@gmail.com

VICE PRESIDENT kephsavicepresident@gmail.com

SECRETARY-GENERAL kephsa.secretary@gmail.com

FINANCE SECRETARY financesec.kephsa@gmail.com

MEDIA AND PUBLICATIONS OFFICER mediapub.kephsa@gmail.com

IPSF CONTACT PERSON kephsa.cp@gmail.com

STUDENT EXCHANGE OFFICER kephsa.seo@gmail.com

ORGANIZING-SECRETARY organizingsec.kephsa@gmail.com

P. O. BOX 19676 – 00200 NAIROBI WEBSITE: www.kephsa.org

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