Accra is hosting the 5th Annual Conference of Pharmacoepidemiology in Africa, bringing together experts from across the continent and beyond to promote the safe and effective use of medicines.
The three-day conference, which opened on Monday, April 20, is being organised by the Africa Regional Interest Group (AfRIG) of the International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology.
The event is focusing on key issues such as medicine safety monitoring, antimicrobial resistance and the rational use of medicines, with participants expected to share practical, Africa-led solutions.
Hosting the conference in Accra underscores Ghana’s growing role in pharmaceutical policy development and research into medicine safety.
The programme features keynote addresses, plenary sessions, scientific symposia, and oral and poster presentations. It also includes hands-on workshops led by international researchers, as well as mentorship and networking opportunities for early-career scientists.
Organisers say the conference provides a platform to strengthen collaboration among researchers, policymakers and healthcare professionals, while promoting evidence-based approaches to improve public health outcomes.
“This conference offers a unique opportunity to build partnerships and share research that advances the safe and effective use of medicines, vaccines and health technologies across Africa,” a statement issued by the local host committee said.
The conference is supported by global pharmaceutical and research organisations, including Boehringer Ingelheim, Regeneron, IQVIA, Johnson & Johnson and Optima Clinical.
Key local collaborators include the Ministry of Health Ghana, University of Ghana, University of Cape Coast, Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana, Pharmacy Council Ghana and Medicines Utilization Research in Africa.
Pharmacoepidemiology is the science that studies how medicines, vaccines and other health products are used in real-life settings, including their benefits and risks.
Organisers expect the outcomes of the conference to contribute to stronger health systems and improved patient safety across Africa.
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