welcome Messages
Thank you to the Local Host Committee and the Planning Committee for their commitment and dedication to developing an outstanding program. On behalf of the International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology (ISPE), the African Regional Interest Group (AfRIG) and the Medicines Utilizations Research in Africa (MURIA) Group, we welcome you to ISPE AfRIG and MURIA’s 3rd Annual Conference on Pharmacoepidemiology in Africa, which is taking place in Cape Town, South Africa.
This year’s conference features world-renowned speakers and promises an exciting package of foundational and advanced trainings in Pharmacoepidemiology, Pharmacovigilance, Drug Utilization Research, abstract and poster presentations, as well as thought-provoking topics in plenary and symposia sessions. A special highlight of the conference is the “Presidents’ Forum”, a once in a lifetime live conversation with ISPE presidents (past, present, and future), to give the audience a panoramic view of the origins of the field of Pharmacoepidemiology, ISPE, key organizational initiatives, accomplishments, and vision, and to provide an opportunity for audience interaction with the panelists. We hope you enjoy every session of the conference.
Prof Tobias Gerhard
Dr Kwame Appenteng
Dear ISPE and MURIA colleagues
We are excited to welcome you to Cape Town, South Africa for the Third Annual Conference on Pharmacoepidemiology in Africa, our first in-person regional meeting.
In the past three years, COVID-19 placed restrictions on travel, and many of us have not met in person since 2019. We are very much looking forward to spending an exciting week together, participating in conference sessions and educational activities, with many opportunities for more informal interaction.
This year’s conference theme is “Strengthening healthcare in Africa with real-world evidence: collaboration and innovation.” The meeting is a collaboration between the International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology (ISPE) African Regional Interest Group (AfRIG) and the Medicines Utilization Research in Africa (MURIA) Group. Our scientific programme draws on expertise from around the continent and from broader afield. Through an exciting programme including plenary sessions, symposia, and abstract presentations we will showcase ongoing African research. We will explore opportunities for building strong African networks to support and strengthen pharmacovigilance, and expand pharmacoepidemiological and medicines utilisation research, to inform evidence-based healthcare policy. Prior to the meeting, we have drawn together a varied 2-day educational programme, taught by leading international and local experts.
Thank you to all the members of the ISPE AfRIG 2023 meeting Planning Committees for their commitment and hard work in developing an outstanding programme. We very much look forward to seeing you in Cape Town, and hope that you will enjoy participating in this conference.
Local Organising Commitee
Karen Cohen
Ilse Truter
Johanita Burger