IPSF AfRO NEWSLETTER ISSUE #12

IPSF AfRO NEWSLETTER ISSUE #12

DISCOVER SEP IN AfRO

NEWSLETTER 12: EDITORIAL BOARD Dear IPSF AfRO members, It is with great pleasure that I present to you newsletter issue #12. This would not have been possible were it not for your hard work and contributions. This newsletter mainly focuses on our Student Exchange Program (SEP). It contains testimonials from our members who have participated in the program..

I would like to extend my gratitude to Mr. Bakani Ncube, the immediate former AfRO SEP coordinator. His contribution towards making this newsletter a success cannot go unnoticed. I would also like to thank our Contact Persons (CPs) and Student Exchange Officers (SEOs) for their hard work in their respective associations.

This newsletter will also be introducing the RWG 2018/19. This is the team that ensures that all IPSF AfRO goals and objectives are met.

I would also like to thank Elton V. F. Decker for his immense effort in making this newsletter a success.

Your RMPO Dr. Peris THUO. Dear SEP Pharmily,

Another year has come and gone and it feels like yesterday when the idea to have an annual newsletter in the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF) African Regional Office (AfRO) titled ‘SEP in AfRO’ first came to mind.

I am pleased that the inaugural publication was a great success that we believe contributed to the number of applicants for SEP that the Region received as well as the high quality exchanges that many SEPers experienced in this very continent of Africa. For those who are hearing about SEP for the first time, SEP stands for Student Exchange Programme and it is our Federation’s largest project, and something that over my years in Pharmacy School has become very close to my heart. An opportunity for all the 350,000 pharmacy students and recent graduates from the over 90 countries worldwide that we represent, SEP enables you to travel, to experience a different culture in a unique context of pharmacy practice, and to make long lasting friendships.

I hope that you will enjoy reading this publication and that it may ignite a fire within you to partake in SEP or to join the SEP organizing team of your local pharmacy association. Both these options are something that you will not regret. I wish you all the very best – Viva la Pharmacie!

Yours in SEP,

Bakani Mark NCUBE IPSF Student Exchange Committee 2017-2019 IPSF Policy Committee 2018-2019 President of ZPSA, Zimbabwe.

Contents

Dear IPSF AfRO Pharmily, I am so excited to have worked on this 12th issue of the IPSF AfRO newsletter. And as always, we are set to give you the best of everything amazing abour our region.

Saddle on and have a happy reading.

Viva la Pharmacie!

Yours in AfRO, Elton DECKER Editor, IPSF AfRO Bloggers 2018-2019 IPSF AfRO Regional Media and Publications Subcommittee 2018-2019.

Table of Contents 3

Introduction of the RWG

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SEP Testimonials

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The Road to Kampala

16 One Health: The Journey so Far 17 Oral Health: A Priority 20 What #IPSFWC2019 Covers 22 Regional Research Proposal

Credits Editor in Chief: Peris Thuo Designs and Layout: Elton V. F. Decker

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IPSF AfRO Newsletter | Issue No. 12

Introduction of the RWG

Mr. Othniel Nimbabazi, IPSF AfRO Chairperson Dear People of IPSF AfRO, it’s my great pleasure to serve you in this mandate of 2018/19. AfRO as one of the youngest regions in IPSF is growing fast with spirit of making great achievements for pharmacy profession development and serving our communities for public health improvement. This mandate we are planning a number of campaigns, new projects and education platforms I would like to invite everyone to be part of them in one way or another. Also this year will be a special one as we will host our 8th IPSF African Pharmaceutical Symposium in the beautiful of Kampala in Uganda and it’s a great privilege to host in our region the 65th IPSF World Congress and celebrations of 70th anniversary

by RPSA Rwanda.

Mr. Isaac Anang, IPSF AfRO Secretary Serving as IPSF-AfRO Secretary this mandate is my great honor and privilege. I look forward to bringing the region to world-class standards and I envision an IPSF-AfRO where every pharmacy student and recent graduate in Africa yearns to partake in the region's activities. This should be possible through reaching out, constant encouragements, correspondences, and inclusiveness.

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Introduction of the RWG

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Mr. Comfort Tanaka Gutu, IPSF AfRO Regional Projects Officer Greetings AfRO! My name is Mr. Comfort Tanaka Gutu and I am your RPO. I am excited to be part of this mandate. I am a Public Health Enthusiast with particular interest in research and inter-field collaborations. This year, AfRO is running its first continental survey or research on skin bleaching. Great, isn't it? Be part of this research movement and let's make AfRO great again.

Ms. Purity Wambui, IPSF AfRO Regional Relations Officer Whoa! Where do I start? Working as the Regional Relations Officer for the IPSF African Regional Office for the past 6 months has been amazing and I absolutely love my job. I look forward to realizing most if not all the plans I had for the office from gaining four new members and promotion of two members in association to full members to increased activity and visibility of our Contact Persons and Student Exchange Officers, not forgetting strengthening and cementing the existing partnerships and scouting for new ones.

Additionally, I have an impeccable team that I work with and the office wouldn’t have achieved half of what it has so far without my amazing teammates. That is Emanuella Nzeribe from GPSA,Ghana, Hadi Jaber from NAPS-SL, Sierra Leone, Ange Umutoni from RPSA, Rwanda, Nicholas Muparadzi from ZPSA, Zimbabwe, Jemima Koffi from ADEPHARM, Ivory Coast and last but not least, the latest addition to the family, Moussa Fofana from AEP, Mali.

I look forward to more involvement from AfRO IPSFers that have been in the game for quite a while, may the IPSF fire keep burning and to everyone who has just joined us, this is just the beginning, you definitely have the world at your feet. Be present and this is not a path you will regret choosing.

Viva la Pharmacie! Viva la AfRO!

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Introduction of the RWG

Ms. Peris Thuo, IPSF AfRO Regional Media & Publications Officer Peris is a pharmacy graduate from the University of Nairobi, Kenya. She is currently doing her clinical pharmacy internship at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret. She is passionate about clinical pharmacy and the impact of a multi-disciplinary team in healthcare.

Ms. Mercy Kmamya, 8th IPSF AfPS Chairperson Wow! First of all, it has been a lifetime opportunity serving with you AfRO; truly grateful to God. The cultural exchange and commendable team work has been priceless. As we approach the 8th IPSF AfPS, we are excited by its prospects to impact pharmacy education and practice in Africa in the New Health Era. Nonetheless, we also can't wait to have the world experience Uganda; the Pearl of Africa.

All in all I can only re-echo the words of the great scientist; if I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants. The GIANTS of a great Regional Working Group, Reception Committee and the amazing AfRO Pharmily.

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Introduction of the RWG

IPSF AfRO Newsletter | Issue No. 12

Mr. Jacob Enchill, IPSF AfO IPC

Greetings comrades. As the immediate past chairperson of the RWG, I am delighted to see the seeds previous RWGs sow germinate. The current RWG is doing well and is on track in delivering what they promised pharmacy students.

It's about halfway through the mandate as they prepare to host the 9th IPSF AfPS. I hope we all rally behind them and help deliver a successful event.

Take a seat and enjoy the ride!!!

#GoSuperheroes

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IPSF AfRO Newsletter | Issue No. 12

Testimonials

#SEPRwanda Anyango Esther Adhiambo

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y Student Exchange Program in Rwanda was extremely pleasant; perhaps more than I may be able to express in writing. I initially applied to three countries and I am so grateful that I got the privilege of experiencingthe Rwandan culture. I arrived on the 2nd September at around 8pm. My feelings were a mixture of

anxiety and excitement, a rather weird feeling. I was welcomed very warmly at the airport by the RPSA team. They even gave me flowers. I then had the pleasure of meeting my host family who later took me to their home where I was to spend the rest of my month, for which I am absolutely grateful.

My internship commenced on the 4th September 2018. I worked at a community pharmacy in Kigali town called G-Nova Pharmacy. I’m really thankful to my supervisor and the whole staff at G-Nova who were very friendly to me. I was introduced to the pharmacy

practice in Rwanda including their laws and regulations. I got to familiarize myself with the medicines used in Rwanda including the brand and generic names. It was a very good opportunity because it also gave me a chance to draw a comparison with the community practice in Kenya. I also got an opportunity to take part in the inspection of the pharmacy by various insurance companies, a very interesting experience.

I had the privilege of visiting a major referral hospital in town called “CHUK” and other pharmacies within and without town just to get a broader and more complete picture of the pharmacy practice in Rwanda. My supervisor was very instrumental during my internship.

We discussed various prescriptions and different conditions in a bid to rationalize drug dispensing. He frequently asked me questions and gave me assignments regarding how administration of medicines differs for different groups of people depending on their health statuses. It was a beautiful learning experience.

The funniest part of my internship was communication with patients. Almost all Rwandans love to speak in their native language, Kinyarwanda, which I do not understand completely.

Many times I tried to pay real attention to the patients to see if I’d pick out a few words, but this was often unsuccessful. The first weeks were harder but it got easier towards the end of my internship as I had learnt a few words in Kinyarwanda. For the patients who were comfortable with English, I requested them to speak in English, which was great. My supervisor was kind enough to translate for me especially for cases he thought provided a good learning opportunity. All in all, not knowing the local dialect was a beautiful challenge for me.

I consider my weekends to have been the icing on the cake. I got to appreciate Rwandan culture and scenery which is absolutely breathtaking. They say that Rwanda is a country of 1000 hills and

indeed, it is. The hills winding up and down the entire country are not only countless but also very tiring. We visited the Rwanda Genocide Memorial; a rather solemn experience. We also visited the Inema arts Center that had different displays of magnificent art by Rwandan artists. I got an opportunity to participate in a walk aimed at supporting children with cancer. I visited many places in Rwanda, got to eat out at various restaurants and experience Rwandan food. I especially enjoyed Rwandan tea, simply sumptuous. Rwanda has this calm atmosphere about it. I miss the long walks I used to take at night. The views at night are absolutely amazing. The city is also very clean.

I’d like to thank RPSA, especially the SEO, Maeva Julie, for coordinating my trip and ensuring that my stay in Rwanda was very hitch-free. SEP in Rwanda was worth my while, each and every single minute of it. Thank you very much.

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Testimonials

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IPSF AfRO Newsletter | Issue No. 12

EP is a wonderful way and the best avenue to explore the world (learn about new culture and tradition,, which makes one adaptable), learn and develop new skills in your pharmacy practice as well.

It helps you appreciate and learn new ways or even better methods in the pharmacy profession which you could even employ in your country.

It is always a wonderful experience. Whether you are hosting students or exploring the world yourself through SEP. SEP always makes me happy and inspired. One of the comments from a student who did SEP increased my desire to actively participate; “It gave me the strength to focus and decide to take my national exam again” – Koko Kim. That’s the kind of impact we’d like to have through SEP.

- Yaw Asamoah Mfoafo SEO - GPSA, Ghana 2018/2019

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n the name of love, care, unity and bondage, peace, passion, commitment and consistency, my greetings to you all IPSFers’ Pharmily and good health mongers. A heartfelt greetings quietly flowing smoothly like a suspension towards a

patient as I consider the sleepless nights I spent in IPSF AfRO broadening the sense of understanding the law of serving community. However, some folks says “lack of sleep stunt your growth. I firmly believe it is not meant for me. IPSF AfRO is more than a federation, it a free space and a family where nature is learnt to its fullest. It has opened a corridor door of opportunities and networks around the Globe. Whilst in tenure, I have learnt new skills, connecting to new colleague all around the World and improving my Inter-professional relationship. My capacity of understanding Pharmaceutical-health related issues in its wider margins was highly improved. SEP lead me into a worldwide Pharmily Network. I learned many new things with couple of new connections. I build my leadership Capacity by being IPSF SEO for TAPSA. - Issaya Mbwilo SEO - TAPSA, Tanzania 2017/2018

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Testimonials

AN EXPERIENCE IN A KENYAN PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY Amy - BPSA, UK

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y name is Amy and I have recently completed my 3rd year of study in Pharmacy at De Montfort University, Leicester, UK. Through BPSA, the UK’s pharmacy student representative body, I discovered an opportunity to experience pharmacy in a different country through their Student Exchange Program. Through the

application process, I had the chance to preference what countries I was interested in and Kenya was my first choice as this is my home country. I was interested in learning about what pharmacy in Kenya entailed and I was excited when I was finally placed in a pharmaceutical industry.

The name of the industry is Lab and Allied and it is located a few kilometers from Nairobi city center.

DAY 1 I had to travel from my home town, Machakos, to the industry on the first day. In order to beat the traffic, I had to leave home between 5:00-5:30am.

I never really understood how serious the traffic situation in Nairobi was, until it took nearly half an hour to travel a distance of less than 3 km.

When I arrived at Lab and Allied, two students from the University of Nairobi were waiting to welcome me as well as introduce me to Dr Simon, the pharmacist at the industry, whom I would report to throughout the placement.

Before entering any of the buildings, it was a requirement to be searched.

There was a changing area where we were asked to put on a hair net, lab coat and slippers provided by the company. At first, I found this quite weird as I had never encountered this before but with time I became used to the routine.

After the introductions, the two students left, and I was introduced to some other staff members as well as given a tour and orientated to the different departments of the company. I then completed any formalities required by the company before commencing my placement. I was given a rough breakdown of how I would spend my two weeks at the company and a book to record my daily activities and what I had learnt.

I was then placed at the beta lactam antibiotics building where I spent the rest of the day learning about the process of making the different antibiotics the company produces. I learnt about the different dosage forms of antibiotics made by the company i.e. tablets, powder for reconstitution and capsules.

DAY 2 On this day, I was able to travel a shorter distance as I moved in with my cousin who lives at Kitengela, which is slightly closer to Nairobi than Machakos. However, due to traffic, I still had to leave home early.

I arrived at Lab and Allied and met Cristabel, the lady in-charge of interns, who assigned me to the warehouse department for the day. When I arrived at the department, I was first asked to read the SOPs in order to be aware of how things operate. I was then assigned to a member of staff in the department, whom I would work alongside throughout the day.

I was asked to observe the different duties carried out in the department and where allowed to, I helped with some of the activities. For example, writing out the ‘quarantine’ labels for raw materials that were being delivered. I learnt about the processes involved from when raw materials are delivered to the company until they are taken for use in production.

After delivery, all raw materials are labelled with a quarantine label and kept in quarantine, waiting for testing and sampling.

The Quality Control (QC) department samples all APIs as well as excipients delivered to the company and either approves or rejects them. All API containers are sampled and tested, and the industry uses an equation to determine how many containers of an excipient are to be sampled and tested. Once sampled, a label titled “sampled” is affixed on the containers and once a material meets the required standards it is labelled as approved and moved into the warehouse for storage and use. Stock cards are then used to keep track of stock and allow for people in the department to know when to re-order for more stock. Rejected materials on the other hand, are labelled as so and are transferred to another part of the warehouse awaiting destruction or to be sent back to the manufacturers.

In the afternoon, I took a stroll around the warehouse looking at the different raw materials, both APIs and excipients. I also got a chance to refresh my knowledge on what the different materials were used for in drug production and where I had not come across a raw material, I enquired about it as well as used the internet to search its use in industry.

Finally, I had the chance to go to the dispensary department where all raw materials are weighed out for production and I was able to observe this being done.

DAY 3/4 I arrived at the industry and as usual, followed the protocols in place before being allowed access into the buildings. I was then assigned to the In-Process Quality Assurance (IPQA) department for the day.

This department was focused on physical tests of the different finished products produced by the company. For example, tablets were tested for their weight, hardness, thickness, diameter, disintegration time and friability and this informed the department on how production was going on. These checks were made every 30 minutes and recorded every 2 hours and where deviations from the limits were observed the production team was made aware of this to allow them to make any necessary adjustments.

In the afternoon, I moved on to the documentation part of the Quality Assurance (QA) department. As there was quite a lot to get through in this department, I spent the following day (day 4) in the same department to ensure I had covered all I was required to cover.

On arrival to the department, I read the SOP related to ‘Document preparation and control’ and the person in-charge of the department went through their day-to-day activities with me. I learnt that the department was responsible for handling all company documentation. This included distribution, change, retrieval, storage and authorization of destruction of documents.

I was taken through all documents handled by the department and I was shown examples of each. I was later given the task to copy out some information onto excel.

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Testimonials

DAY 5 I had an early start to the weekend as I did not go to work on this day. It was Eid and in Kenya this is considered a public holiday. I therefore, spent the day with my cousin exploring her town.

DAY 6 On the following Monday, I was assigned to the creams and ointments department. I learnt about how the different products are made, filled into their respective containers and packaged ready for sale. As with other production departments, manufacturing, filling and packaging of the products were done in separate rooms.

Before commencing any of the activities, machines were switched on and cleaned and documents checked and signed. There was not a lot of manual work as the machines did most of it i.e. mixing of the excipients, putting the tubes and containers in holders, filling the products into the containers, sealing the containers and printing of any information on the containers such as batch numbers as well as manufacture and expiry dates.

The workers in the department ensured the machines were functioning correctly and adjusted settings where needed. For example, if IPQA found discrepancies with the weight of creams, adjustments on the amount of cream going into the tube would be made accordingly.

The packaging machines also did most of the work i.e. putting the PIL into the cartons, putting the tube or container into the cartons and sealing and printing on of necessary data onto the outer packaging. There were operators at different points of the machines doing checks to ensure all was running smoothly.

In the afternoon, I moved to the tableting department, specifically the granulation and drying room where I learnt about the different machines in use and what they were used for. I learnt about the rapid mixer granulator, fluid bed processor, sifter, and paste kettle that were in the room and I was able to observe a batch being processed at the time I was in the department.

DAY 7 On this day, I was still in the tableting department and I managed to learn about coating, compression, preparation of powders such as ORS and packaging of the different products. In each of the different sub-departments, I was assigned to a member of staff that took me through all the different machines used and explained the processes involved in each of the stages of the production. I was able to observe the different stages and gained a better understanding of them.

Where I had questions, these were welcomed and answered well.

DAY 8

In the morning, I visited the QC department. The department had a few sections/areas including physical tests, wet chemistry and assays, stability testing and microbiology.

I started with the physical tests area where I learnt about the different physical tests carried out on finished products before approval for sale of the drug in the market. This area dealt with carrying out observations on the thickness, diameter, hardness, friability, weight and disintegration time of the tablets both from production and those from stability testing. I was given a few batches to carry out the tests on and this aided with my learning.

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I was then taken to the wet chemistry and assays area of the department where I learnt about the different chemical tests carried out on the raw materials as well as finished products. Every raw material and finished product had to meet specific requirements and therefore the tests were not standardized across all materials and products. Instead, the tests were specific and tailored to the different materials and products. I also learnt about HPLC and IR spectroscopy. The different machines and processes used were explained in detail.

As there was not much to do in the stability testing area, I was only talked through what goes on in the department. They are focused on testing the stability of the different finished products produced by the company. The products are kept in the specified storage conditions and tested periodically to give an accurate simulation of what would happen to the tablets with time. Information gathered from this department would help the rest of the departments to make any changes necessary for example, change of shelf life if the drug is found to deteriorate quicker or change in the formulation with the aim of increasing shelf life.

As I did not have enough time in the afternoon to visit the microbiology department in QC, I was asked to go to sales and marketing instead. Here I learnt about the different operations in the sales department. This included what products the company produces, what countries it supplies to, how items are priced, how the company promotes and markets their products, how they deal with complaints and much more.

DAY 9 The microbiology department in QC required a day for me to fully learn and observe its daily activities. I was therefore, placed in the department for the entire day.

First, I worked under the supervision of a staff member to carry out chemical and qualitative analysis of the water supplied and used in the industry. The water was sampled at different points and tests were carried out to ensure that the water was ok for use in the industry especially in manufacturing.

The department is also involved in microbial analysis, environmental monitoring, microbial contamination tests on finished and semi-finished products and bio assays of antibiotics. I therefore, had the opportunity to observe majority of these activities as well as participate in some, under supervision. For example, making of different agar, preparing pour plates for test of creams, ointments and syrups, use of autoclave in sterilization and preparing bio assay plates.

DAY 10 This was my final day on the placement and I was able to visit the Regulatory Affairs, Product Development, and AHU department.

In the Regulatory Affairs department, I learnt about the drug regulatory body in Kenya (The Pharmacy and Poisons Board). I was made aware of the need for a drug to be approved and registered with the regulatory body before being marketed. I was then shown an example of a dossier and explained to about how these are put together for the purpose of registering a drug with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board. As the company also exports its products to neighboring countries, there is a need for the company to deal with other regulatory bodies in the various countries. I was also shown the different documents that the regulatory department handles and processes.

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In the Product Development department, I was made aware of the importance of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) and their significance in the daily activities in a pharmaceutical industry.

In the Air Handling Unit (AHU) department, I was shown how the company sources their air and the different machines used to clean and pump the air to the various rooms and departments in the industry. As the air and humidity in every department is slightly different due to the different requirements, I was told about how air is cooled or heated for this purpose. I also learnt that the air sterilization process used in the industry is ozone sanitization.

As this was the final day, I also had a chance to sit down and discuss my experience with Dr Simon. He asked a few questions about the different departments to ensure that I had learnt as much as I could have in the two weeks I was in the industry. He then signed off my certificate and I was allowed time to thank and bid goodbye to the various members of staff that I had worked alongside throughout the placement.

EXCURSION DAY/TOUR DAY I had the chance to meet the Student Exchange Officer (SEO) in Kenya, Jane Oaga, as well as explore some parts of Nairobi City. We met in Nairobi and I was able to explore different areas in the city.

She pointed out the various landmarks in the city such as Parliament, the Supreme Court, KICC and many others.

We then went to the Kenya National Archives, where they preserve valuable public and private records which form part of the national documentary heritage. I was pleasantly surprised at the different exhibitions of ancient African art, crafts and artefacts from different Kenyan tribes as well as different African countries.

Testimonials

CONCLUSION Before I discovered and applied for the Student Exchange Program, I never expected to have such an amazing opportunity.

This opportunity was I would like to extend my sincerest not only academically gratitude to BPSA having the beneficial, but I also had for program available for a chance to discover students like me.

I would also like thank my new experiences, make tohome SEO, Pride Mtetwa, for new friends and giving me the opportunity to part in th memories that will last a take eprogram. I am also grateful to lifetime.

Jane Oaga and John Muiruri who took care of me whilst I was on the placement and for everything they did to ensure my stay was superb and unforgettable.

Without a doubt, I would recommend this program to every pharmacy student not just in my university but in other universities in the UK and abroad, as it is a life-changing opportunity.

Through the photo exhibitions, I was able to refresh my memory on the history of Kenya. The photos highlighted Kenya’s journey from the colonial era, its struggle for independence and the various events and personalities who played a role in shaping the country into what it is now. It reminded me of my heritage and how proud I am to be Kenyan.

After the tour, we went out for a quick lunch where we discussed about my experience and also learnt a bit more about each other and pharmacy in our different countries.

#SEPXplore

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8th IPSF AfPS

A NEW HEALTH ERA

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he annual convocation of pharmacy students and recent graduates on the continent is upon us this time, we are going to Kampala, Uganda!

The symposium - taking place at the Imperial Botanical Beach Entebbe from the 19th to 29th of July, 2019 - promises a hub for students and young professionals to innovatively address the

challenges they face in their countries. This will particularly be done during the hackathon, which will have teams consisting of students and professionals from different stages of career path as well as countries. This will greatly utilize the potential of international exchange.

With the theme, "A new health era: Pharmacy practice and the evolving epidemiological landscape," the symposium aims at focusing on the current advancements in the pharmacy profession and the epidemiological patterns as a region, and how these can help the healthcare delivery system.

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IPSF AfRO Newsletter | Issue No. 12

L-R: Purity, Othniel & Mercy at the #KEHSS2019

Reception Committee, Ministry of Health of Uganda, Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda & Makerere University leaders after the laucnhing of the #AfPS2019 at a Press Conference

The Reception Committee having an exhibiton at the AGM for Pharmacists in Uganda

The Road to Kampala Othniel & Abdulhafeez beautifully dressed in the #AfPS2019 souvenir

The Reception Committee of #AfPS2019 sealing a partnership with WHO, Uganda

The Reception Committee participating in the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda's Sickle Cell Run

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ONE HEALTH: THE JOURNEY SO FAR. Melody Okereke

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ccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), one or more new infectious diseases have emerged each year since the 1970s. The majority of these have been zoonoses, diseases caused by pathogens that can be transmitted between animals and humans, with more than three-quarters originating from wildlife (Jones et al. 2008). Of the 1400 diseases now recognized in humans, 64% are caused by pathogens transmissible across species.

These trends have led to support for a more integrated and holistic approach to human, animal and environmental health known as One Health. The centre for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that although the term “One Health” is fairly new, the concept has long been recognized both nationally and globally. Since the 1800s, scientists have noted the similarity in disease processes amongst animals and humans, but human and animal medicine was practiced separately until the 20th century.

In recent years, through the support of key individuals and vital events, the One Health concept has gained more recognition in the public health and animal health communities. This approach has received growing attention over the past decade among policy makers, practitioners and funders seeking more effective prevention, control and treatment responses in an increasingly populous and globalized world.

of West Nile virus before people get sick with West Nile virus fever.

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes that the health of people is connected to the health of animals and our shared environment. A One Health approach encourages collaborative efforts of many experts (like disease detectives, laboratorians, physicians, and veterinarians) working across human, animal, and environmental health to improve the health of people and animals, including pets, livestock, and wildlife.

In their definition, the World Health Organization explained One Health as an approach to designing and implementing programmes, policies, legislation and research in which multiple sectors communicate and work together to achieve better public health outcomes.

The areas of work in which a One Health approach is particularly relevant include food safety, the control of zoonoses (diseases that can spread between animals and humans, such as flu, rabies and Rift Valley Fever), and combating antimicrobial resistance (when bacteria change after being exposed to antibiotics and become more difficult to treat).

WHY THE NEED FOR A ONE HEALTH APPROACH? Every year, tens of thousands of Americans will get sick from diseases spread between animals and people.

Animals can sometimes serve as early warning signs of potential illness in people. For example, birds often die

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WHAT IS THE CURRENT SITUATION? It’s a frightening reality that global and local health systems have been caught off guard by threatening infectious diseases. Newly emerging diseases, originating from the human-animal-environment interface have been predicted in disease hotspots in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

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ORAL HEALTH: A PRIORITY Nzeribe Emmanuella

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quality of children’s lives, their performance in school way up to their success later in life.

The regular reality for millions of children in persistent dental pain, endurance of dental abscess, inability to chew foods well, embarrassment about discolored and damaged teeth, distraction from play and even learning. Dental caries affect the tooth itself and its consequences are well known to most people particularly those aged 30 years and over. ral health is fundamental to one’s general health and wellbeing. According to the World Health Organization (WHO); oral health is an important indicator of overall health, wellbeing and quality of life.

WHO defines Oral Health as a state of being free from chronic mouth and facial pain, oral and throat cancer, oral infections and sores, periodontal (gum) disease, tooth decay, tooth loss and other diseases and disorders that limit an individual’s capacity in biting, chewing, smiling, speaking and psychosocial wellbeing. Diseases of oral health include: Dental caries, seal fissures, gingivitis, periodontitis, oral cancer, halitosis.

Developing countries face a growing toll of tooth decay and gum disease that can be prevented. Tooth decay affects an estimated 60-90% of school children and nearly 100% of adults worldwide, according to WHO Global oral health database. Several dental disease can result in tooth loss and the prevalence of complete tooth loss is increasing rapidly in low and middle income countries while currently about 30% of the world’s population aged 65-74 years lose all their natural teeth. The key factors driving the epidemic of tooth decay are the increasing consumption of surgery foods, drinks and the adequate use of fluoridated tooth paste, water, salt and milk to prevent tooth decay.

According to a recent global burden of disease study, untreated tooth decay is the most prevalent of 291 major diseases and injuries.

Oral disease places a lot of burden globally.

Dental caries and periodontal disease have historically been considered the most important global oral health burden.

Currently, the distribution and severity of oral disease vary in different parts of the world and within the same country and region. Dental caries is still a major oral health problem in most industrialized countries affecting 60-90% of school children and a vast majority of the adults. Severe Periodontitis almost always result in tooth loss and is found among 5-15% of most populations (WHO, 2003). Oral cancer is highly related to the use of tobacco and excessive consumption of alcohol.

Oral disease impacts systemic health, particularly for patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes. Failing to prevent or control the progression of oral disease may increase the risk of serious adverse health outcomes.

Periodontal disease is the 6th most prevalent disease.

Poor oral health also has a detrimental effect on the

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IPSF AfRO Newsletter | Issue No. 12

#IPSFWC2019

The Venue for the 65th IPSF World Congress is the Kigli Convention Centre

The Leaders in Training (LIT) is designed to better equip IPSF leaders with the required skill sets for better #Pharmily.

The Post Congress Tour is a rare opportunity for delegates to tour the Land of a thousand hills.

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T

he #IPSFWC2019 Reception Committee is very pleased to announce the Official Flight Partner, Kenya Airways - The Pride of Africa - with an amazing 12% reduction offer for every registered participant - from all Kenya Airways destinations, worldwide.

If you have registered, you can directly contact the RC via registrations@ipsfwc2019.org to get the PROMO CODE and book your flight to Kigali.

Viva La Pharmacie! #KigaliAwaits

Regional Research Proposal

IPSF AfRO Newsletter | Issue No. 12

IDENTIFYING THE SUBSTANCES USED FOR SKIN BLEACHING:

ASSESSING THE KNOWLEDGE ON THEIR ADVERSE EFFECTS If Africa is to attain Universal Health Coverage and satisfy SDG number 3 by 2030, then there is need for international collaborations and research. This truth has prompted the AfRO Region of the IPSF to tackle and trade in unsailed waters in a quest to address the public health threat of skin bleaching.

Timeline Activity

Report

Skin bleaching is knowingly modifying the skin’s natural or original color to a state where the skin is lighter. It involves the use of chemical skin lightening agents, manufacture or homemade or both. Skin lightening dates back to the 16th century through use of powder and paint. In the present age, skin bleaching is now being practiced mostly among the communities of color (Adu-Gyamfi and Gyasi 2017).

Finalization of research proposal

1-14 November 2018

Validation of research proposal

14-21 November 2018

Recruitment of member states

21-29 November 2018

Orientation of member states

29-31 November 2018

The products used for skin bleaching originally were meant for the treatment of hyperpigmentation disorders but, with time communities and societies such as the African and the Asian society began to use these products to lighten their complexion giving a rise in the prevalence of the use of these cosmetic products from 25% to a high figure such as 96%, spreading beyond just the communities of colour, from being a female practice to the inclusion of males. (Darj et al.,2015).

Questionnaire administration

December 2018

Data collection and analysis

December 2018 - June 2019

Report writing

June 2019

Publication and presentation at AfPS , World Congress and other conferences

June - September 2019

There has been a rise on skin cancers and skin related problems across Africa as a result of bleaching hence prompting the AfRO Region through the RPO to strengthen the Beauty Beyond Color Campaign #Beyoutiful with a continental research. The demographic distribution of this tradition even provokes more questions. According to the World Health Organization, within Africa, 77% of Nigerian women are avid users of skin lightening products, followed by Togo with 59%, South Africa with 35%, Senegal at 27% and Mali at 25%. Such inordinate distribution is worrisome because it is unclear whether the reason is due to population differences, ignorance of these substances and their consequences, infiltration into the drug/cosmetic market or several other unlawful reasons.

The number of Africans using these products has prompted an unanswered question whether or not these people are aware of the potential adverse effects. Most Africans are not confident In their natural black skin and that has led them to lighten their skin in order to archive a perception of beauty.

Data Collection has been done in 18 countries in which International Pharmaceutical Students Federation is represented (IPSF). These countries include Zimbabwe, Zambia, Togo, Tanzania, South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Mali, Sierra Leonne, Lesotho, Tanzania, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Benin, Rwanda and Uganda. We are currently working on data analysis and conclusions of the study.

References Adu-Gyamfi and Gyasi 2017, Skin Bleaching: A Perspective on the Ghanaian Phenomenon, Kwame Nkrumah University Of Science and Technology & Lingnan University, pages 7-13 Darj, Infanti, Ahlber and Okumu, 2015, The fairer the better?"

Use of potentially toxic skin bleaching products, Health, Uppsala University, Sweden, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway, page 2-4 Souza, 2008, The concept of skin bleaching in Africa and its devastating health implications, Aga Khan University, pages 7-9 Shankar, P.R., & Subish, P. (2007). Fair skin in South Asia: An obsession. Journal of Pakistan Association of Dermatologists, 17, 100-104.

Keitumetse Mmami Keakile, 2016, Motivations, consequences and knowledge of skin bleaching: a study of perceptions of students of the university of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

Research Team RPO: Comfort Tanaka Gutu Subcommittee Members: Lilian Muthoni, Eseosa Fav, Aquiline Katsumbe, Rotimi, Eric Konan, Temitope Ban Ajepe, Esther Mary, L. Ngabonzima, Fridon, Eli

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IPSF AFRICAN REGIONAL OFFICE

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