EPN Forum is a biennial event that brings together EPN members. It provides an opportunity where EPN members meet physically, learn, share and exchange experiences, knowledge and best practices on emerging issues in pharmaceutical health services within faith-based health facilities across. They discuss, develop ideas and make critical decisions in relation to the activities of the Network with experts, friends and partners.
The Forum is also an amazing opportunity for the EPN members to fellowship, be inspired and network. Each Forum unpacks a pharmaceutical delivery topic with the aim of equipping members with current and expert information.
While the EPN Forum is the main event, it is usually flanked by one pre-event and concludes with EPN Annual General Meeting. Since its inception in 2016, there have been 8 editions with the latest one being in 2022.
YEAR |
THEME |
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2022 |
The Future of Health Care in the Global South | |||
2018 |
Promoting patient safety-Medication without harm |
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2016 |
Antimicrobial Resistance and Non-communicable Diseases -Pharmaceutical challenges in the 2030 agenda |
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2014 |
Maternal and Child Health Care - |
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2012 |
Access to quality medicines priority needs, priority actions for today and tomorrow |
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2010 |
Health systems strengthening: Focus on pharmaceutical service delivery |
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2008 |
Pharmaceutical standards |
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2006 |
Ecumenical health services in action |
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Theme: Accelerating Access to Quality Healthcare Services for ALL: Bridging the Last Mile
Date: 28 October - 1 November 2024
Co-Hosted by: Action Medeor - Tanzania & Christian Social Services Commission (CSSC)
Venue: APC Hotel & Conference Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
The 9th edition aims at providing a platform for key stakeholders and members to address the systemic challenges that hinder access to healthcare through knowledge exchange and sharing of best practices as well as lay a foundation for collaborative action in prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable populations.
This will ensure strengthened health systems that are resilient, equitable and efficient as well as advancing the principle of leaving no one behind.
The forum will constitute:
A focus on Antimicrobial Resistance;
FORUM OBJECTIVES
METHODOLOGY
TARGETED PARTICIPANTS
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
The One Health approach plays a pivotal role in addressing AMR in Africa while promoting health equity. By integrating human health, animal health, agrifood systems, and the environment, this collaborative and trans-disciplinary framework fosters close cooperation across sectors. It facilitates the design, implementation, and monitoring of AMR surveillance programs, advancing inter-sectoral collaboration to achieve better public health outcomes in each member state.
Embracing this holistic approach is essential for combating the detrimental impact of AMR and ensuring equitable access to health services
Topic 2: Strengthening the detection of medicine quality including sharing best practices in the Minilab network
This topic focuses on enhancing the quality assurance of medicines as an approach to address AMR. By addressing substandard and falsified essential medicines, this approach contributes to effective treatments, reduced illness, and healthcare savings that can be reinvested towards accessing healthcare. The Minilab network, which employs simple test methods for rapid medicine quality verification and detection of substandard and falsified medicines in the field, plays a crucial role in this endeavour.
Topic 1: The imperative of accelerating access for all (Plenary session)
This session aims to explore the critical issues surrounding healthcare access and the role of various stakeholders in enhancing healthcare delivery to underserved populations. It will address the existing challenges that hinder access and Identify opportunities for innovation and improvement in healthcare delivery. It will also delve into the importance of enhancing the preparedness of the church health system to address healthcare challenges effectively, moving beyond traditional approaches and embracing modern strategies for healthcare delivery.
Lastly it will explore the role of Community Health Promoters (CHPs) and communities in accelerating access to healthcare services, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, empowerment, and collaboration in improving healthcare outcomes. By engaging in these discussions, the session aims to inspire participants to rethink traditional approaches to healthcare delivery, foster collaboration among stakeholders, and catalyze action towards achieving equitable access to quality Healthcare services and health products for all, while emphasizing the pivotal roles of communities, CHPs, and innovative solutions in this collective endeavor at last mile level.
Topic 2: Breaking down barriers: Strategic approaches and innovations in addressing healthcare inequalities (Breakout session)
This session will concentrate on the following key areas: Exploring innovative approaches to enhance the skills and competencies of healthcare workers within the Church Health System, including training programs, mentorship initiatives, and continuous professional development opportunities; Discussing the role of Health Technology and Digital Health in Accelerating Access (Supply Chain ERPs, Laboratory Information System, Electronic Medical Records, etc.); Discussing strategies to expand and strengthen diagnostics lab capacities within the Church Health System; Addressing challenges in healthcare and the supply chain management of health products, and exploring solutions to optimize supply chain
processes, reduce inefficiencies, and ensure the timely delivery of essential medical supplies to healthcare facilities.
Topic 3: Strengthening health financing for resilient drug procurement and supply chain (Plenary Session)
This session will focus on the critical role of health financing in ensuring a resilient drug procurement and supply chain system to enhance access to quality healthcare. Discussions will revolve around; Sustainable Procurement for access to healthcare and quality and affordable medicines, Strategies for Sustainable Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) to achieve Supply Chain Efficiency in health facilities, Financing local Manufacturing for increased self-reliance and Strategies for Ensuring Equitable Health Insurance Coverage Across Socioeconomic Groups. The session aims to provide insights, share experiences, and foster discussions on strengthening health financing mechanisms for drug procurement and supply
chain resilience
Topic 4: Navigating policies, guidelines and regulations in addressing health disparities (Break out session)
This breakout session will focus on two key areas; Leveraging pharmaceutical industry regulations to strengthen supply chain resilience and accessibility highlighting the importance of regulatory compliance & Overcoming challenges while maximizing opportunities in building a culture of policy and guidelines adherence in health systems through capacity building, monitoring & evaluation mechanisms as well as stakeholder engagement.
Topic 5: Harnessing the power of advocacy to ensure equitable Access to healthcare services (Plenary session)
This session will explore the pivotal role of advocacy in promoting and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services for all individuals. The session will specifically engage key advocates in society, including youth, religious leaders, gender champions and civil society organizations and Christian health associations showcasing the unique roles they play as advocates in championing healthcare access and driving social change.
This will be followed by a presentation of the call to action as well as the launch of the EPN dvocacy Strategy + Advocacy Tool kit for the Minilab
We invite you to express interest to attend the EPN Forum by filling and submitting your registration details in the form below.
The registration fee is as below;
| EPN Member |
Non-EPN Member |
Day Visitor |
| 400 USD | 600 USD | 65 per day USD |
| Covers full board accommodation, 4 nights, conference package and airport transfers | Covers full board accommodation, 4 nights, conference package and airport transfers | Covers conference package (including lunch) |
You can use the following options for payment
Option 1 – Online payment
a). Visit our online donation page (https://training.epnetwork.org/ donation) where we accept online payments.
b). Under Online Donations
c). Select one-time and select a predefined amount or other to specify your amount
d.) Under 'select a cause', choose Forum 2024
e). Click 'Donate' and follow the rest of the processes
Option 2 – Direct transfer to EPN Kenya Account
Name of Account-holder: Ecumenical Pharmaceutical Network
Bank Account Number: 6780420024
Type of Account: Current Account (USD) / Compte Courant (USD)
Name of Bank: NCBA Bank
Branch Name: Westlands Branch
Swift Code : CBAFKENX
Option 3 - Western Union/Money gram
Payee: James Ondande Mireri (Finance, HR and Administrative Officer)
Access to quality healthcare is a human right that should be available to all, regardless of location or demographic factors. However, many African communities face challenges in accessing primary healthcare services, leading to health inequalities and hindering sustainable development. To address these issues, the EPN 9th Biennial forum in October 2024 will bring together stakeholders to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and lay the groundwork for collaborative action to prioritize the needs of vulnerable populations and strengthen health systems for a more equitable and efficient future, in line with the principle of leaving no one behind.
In advancing this agenda, we call all individuals from different fields to submit their abstracts for consideration for presentation during the forum on the following sub themes;
Sub-theme 1: Strategies for AMR control
The sub-theme presents a platform for authors to showcase their research findings and insights on combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Authors from the Human, Animal and Environmental Health domains are encouraged to share the results of their research/best practices in the following areas (but not limited to) such as; Antimicrobial Stewardship, Surveillance, Community-based initiatives/strategies, Youth-driven AMR solutions, Infection Prevention and Control practices in healthcare settings and communities, Economic impact of antibiotic resistance on healthcare systems, digital health in AMR control, One health approaches, Biosecurity , Climate Change as well as engagement in policy advocacy work. Authors can;
Sub-theme 2: Quality of medicines; Substandard & falsified medicines prevention, detection and control
This sub-theme focuses on discussing advances in cost-effective technologies for prevention, detection and control of substandard and/or falsified medicines as well as policy advocacy initiatives. Authors can highlight the use of spectroscopic, chromatographic, and other analytical techniques in quality assessment. In addition, they are encouraged to;
This Sub-theme aims to provide a platform for researchers and practitioners to exchange knowledge and promote effective strategies for ensuring the quality and safety of medicines.
Sub-theme 3: Proactive capacity building approaches for a resilient healthcare workforce
This sub-theme underscores the significance of enhancing healthcare workers' resilience. Key areas for authors to explore include:
This sub-theme offers a platform for authors to share insights on proactive strategies that strengthens the capacity and resilience of healthcare workers, enabling them to navigate diverse challenges in healthcare effectively.
Sub-theme 4: Diagnostic laboratory strengthening for health equity
The health focus area for this sub-theme shall be on Infectious diseases. Strengthening diagnostic laboratory capacity is crucial in the management of infectious diseases as accurate, timely and accessible diagnosis plays a pivotal role in guiding treatment plans, preventing disease transmission, and ultimately improving health outcomes for individuals and communities.
In this sub-theme, authors can;
Sub-theme 5: Innovations for sustainable pharmaceutical supply chain systems
Sustainable Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Systems are pivotal in expanding access to essential medications for underserved populations, addressing the challenge of unreliable drug availability and inconsistent supply chains that currently hinder healthcare access in these areas
In this sub-theme, the Author can ;
Sub-theme 6: Harnessing the power of health technology for healthcare equity
Utilizing Health Technology to promote Healthcare Equity is essential for expanding reach to marginalized communities through innovative approaches that enhance healthcare provision. This sub-theme will focus on discussions that will;
The forum will accept abstracts in two formats: Scientific generated data from research or project and Best Practices (programme/project).
ABSTRACT STRUCTURE
| 1). Scientific format |
2). Best practices format |
| Sub-Theme: | Sub-Theme: |
| Title: | Title: |
| Background: Should clearly define the problem or gap in knowledge that the study aims to address, as well as the specific objectives or research questions. It should also explain the significance of the study | Background: Should describe the intervention and what it aimed to achieve |
| Methodology: Describe the study setting/location, design, population, sampling strategy, data collection methods, and analysis techniques used | Implementation: Key activities in the project including beneficiaries, stakeholders, if any |
| Results: Present findings/outcomes of the study | Outcomes: Achievements of the intervention, lessons learnt |
| Conclusions & Recommendations: Summarize key take away(s) from the study and recommended applications of the findings | Conclusions and recommendations: Summary of take away and recommendations for scale up |
Note
Submission of abstracts is now closed.
In case of any questions, please send us an email via abstract@epnetwork.org.
Please read the Program here
Who they are?
Action medeor international healthcare is a non-governmental charitable organization based in Germany it is Europe’s largest medical aid organization. Over the years we have provided low-cost, high-quality supplies to pharmaceuticals to healthcare facilities over 140 countries, especially in developing nations and regions affected by humanitarian crises. AMT also has extended branches to Malawi and Tanzania. And we a proud that we have establish local production of reagents to Tanzania which this local production of reagents will support the entire East Africa.
What they provide:
Website: www.medeor.de/en
The Christian Social Services Commission (CSSC) is a dynamic ecumenical organization dedicated to transforming lives and communities through comprehensive social services in Tanzania. It stands as a beacon of hope providing essential health and educational services across the country.
What they provide:
Their impact is to provides services not only accessible but also effective in meeting the needs of the communities they serve. They also provide social justice, advocating for equitable access to resources and services for all, particularly marginalized groups.
Website: www.cssc.or.tz
Is an innovative initiative designed to revolutionize the landscape of healthcare in low- and middle-income countries. Its the forefront of ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of essential medicines worldwide. Funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and led by the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP).
What they provide:
Their impact brings global impact due to numerous countries contributing to healthier communities by providing safe and effective medicines but also partnerships with governments, NGOs, and healthcare providers ensure to make a meaningful difference. But also, provide guidance by sharing invaluable knowledge and resources, empowering countries to enhance their pharmaceutical systems and regulatory frameworks.
Website: www.usp-pqmplus.org
Is a prominent healthcare organization focused on improving global health, especially in underserved and neglected regions. It offers a wide range of services including access to essential medicines, strengthening healthcare systems, and providing training to local healthcare professionals. They have a span of multiple areas, from combating infectious diseases like HIV and tuberculosis to ensuring the availability of life saving medications in remote areas.
Their pharmaceutical initiatives focus on building sustainable medical infrastructures by creating central pharmacies, training pharmaceutical experts, and ensuring the quality of medicines through mobile labs. They also play a key role in advocating for better health policies and providing emergency medical aid in conflict zones.
With projects in over 90 countries, has made significant strides in making healthcare more accessible and equitable, contributing to long-term improvements in local healthcare systems. Their efforts have made them a key player in global healthcare, especially for marginalized communities.
Website: www.difaem.de/en/index.html
Is a global non-profit that takes a private-sector approach to strengthen healthcare systems, focusing on Africa. Their mission is to empower local healthcare enterprises by providing them with the technical expertise they need to deliver high-quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare services to their communities. BHS connects these enterprises with corporate volunteers who offer remote technical assistance, covering everything from manufacturing and distribution to clinical services and healthcare management.
BHS operates in countries like Tanzania, Ghana, Kenya, and Rwanda, helping over 40 healthcare companies. Their projects have seen a 92% client satisfaction rate, driven business growth and enhancing healthcare delivery, especially in under-resourced regions. They assist with everything from Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliance and supply chain logistics to clinical trials and financial management. Their efforts are crucial in making healthcare products and services more accessible and affordable.
Website: www.businessforhealthsolutions.com
BEGECA is a leading service provider that support charitable, non-profit, and church partners by offering a comprehensive range of procurement, logistics, and consulting services. They specialize in provide high-quality products and reliable solutions for development projects, particularly in challenging environments. BEGECA supplies everything from vehicles, medical equipment, and solar systems to vocational training equipment and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) modules.
Their goal is to help partners successfully implement projects by offering tailored solutions that prioritize sustainability, quality, and affordability. From the selection of goods to competitive procurement processes and safe transport logistics, BEGECA ensures every component of a project meets the highest standards. They also offer after-sales services, ensuring the long-term success of the projects they support.
BEGECA’s global reach includes partnerships in Africa, Asia and Latin America, ensuring that their expertise benefits communities in need of robust, sustainable solutions to drive development and improve lives.
Website: www.begeca.org/de
IDA Foundation bridges the gap in access to essential medicines and medical supplies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. They offer over 3,000 quality-assured products aligned with the WHO Essential Medicines List, including pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and supplies for emergency response. With nearly 50 years of experience, IDA provides reliable supply chain services, ensuring that products reach healthcare providers globally, all while adhering to the highest quality standards. Their mission is to make healthcare affordable, accessible, and sustainable across the world.
Website: www.ida.worldbank.org/en/home
Farmacie Mondiaal is a Netherlands-based non-profit organization specializing in pharmaceutical development projects aimed at improving healthcare in developing countries. The organization is driven by Dutch pharmacists and operates on a volunteer basis. Rather than shipping medications, Farmacie Mondiaal focuses on supporting local pharmaceutical projects by providing expertise and essential resources, such as funding for travel, software, and medical equipment.
They sponsor projects that enhance the local availability of medicines and improve pharmaceutical practices, such as implementing pharmacy software for better stock management and promoting safe medication use. Their initiatives also include knowledge transfer and collaboration with healthcare professionals to create sustainable, localized solutions.
With a focus on empowering communities and strengthening healthcare infrastructures, Farmacie Mondiaal ensures that its assistance aligns with the actual needs on the ground. Their work is impactful and well-received, fostering partnerships with organizations and professionals in both the Netherlands and the project countries
Website: www.farmaciemondiaal.nl
Misereor is a prominent German Catholic organization dedicated to fighting poverty and improving the quality of life for vulnerable communities worldwide. With a focus on regions such as Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Oceania, Misereor collaborates with local partners to deliver sustainable solutions that address critical issues like hunger, diseases, and social injustice.
Their projects emphasize self-initiative, empowering local communities to shape their futures by tackling food insecurity, ensuring access to clean water, and combating climate change. MISEREOR’s support extends across various sectors, including agriculture, energy, and natural resource management, all with the aim of promoting equality and human dignity.
By working alongside faith-based organizations, NGOs, and social movements, MISEREOR ensures its initiatives are culturally relevant and impactful, fostering long-lasting change that benefits not just individuals, but entire communities.
Maisha Meds focuses on providing affordable, high-quality healthcare to underserved communities by enhancing access to essential medicines. Through its cutting-edge mobile software, the platform connects pharmacies and clinics with affordable medication and incentives them to follow best practices, particularly in malaria care. Supported by USAID and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Maisha Meds is rapidly expanding across Africa, aiming to reach 7,500 pharmacies and provide subsidized care to nearly a million patients. They offer a digital health solution for remote clinics in East Africa, leveraging distributed ledger technology and renewable energy. The platform used ensure real-time health data generation, better stock management of essential medicines, and seamless communication between healthcare stakeholders. This leads to improved patient care in low-resource and areas and prevents critical shortages.
Website: www.maishameds.org
The Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies (MEDS) is a leading faith-based, not-for-profit organization based in Nairobi, Kenya. It plays a vital role in delivering high-quality, affordable medicines and medical supplies to health facilities across Kenya and neighbouring countries. MEDS serves over 1,800 public and private health centres, helping to ensure consistent access to essential drugs, medical equipment, and laboratory services. Their expertise includes supply chain management, quality assurance, and capacity building for healthcare providers.
MEDS is particularly known for its competitive pricing and ability to distribute antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) and other essential medicines in challenging environments, making healthcare accessible even in remote or underserved regions. They also provide training for healthcare professionals, further enhancing the impact of their supply services.
For partners or stakeholders, MEDS’ long-standing experience, comprehensive network, and dedication to improving healthcare access in Africa make them an invaluable partner for sustainable health solutions.
Website: www.meds.or.ke/
Depot Central Medico-Pharmaceutique (DCMP) is a faith-based non-profit organization that operates in the Democratic Republic of Congo, specializing in supplying essential generic medicines, medical consumables, and lab materials to healthcare facilities and government partners. They focus on improving access to quality pharmaceuticals, particularly in South Kivu and Eastern DR Congo, and play a crucial role in strengthening the health systems in the region.
DCMP not only provides necessary pharmaceutical supplies but also addresses local challenges, such as manufacturing ethanol-based hand sanitizers during the COVID-19 pandemic when external supply chains were disrupted. This adaptability underscores their commitment to overcoming logistical obstacles and supporting healthcare initiatives. By working closely with partners like the Church of Christ in Congo and the Ecumenical Pharmaceutical Network, they help improve health outcomes in underserved areas, making them a vital player in the region’s health sector development.
Their success in increasing the availability of essential medicines an in-country manufacturing capacity highlight their ability to provide sustainable solutions during health crises.
Website: www.dcmp8ecepac.org/en
Joint Medical Store (JMS) is a leading healthcare supply chain entity in Uganda, primarily focused on delivering high-quality pharmaceutical products and medical supplies. Established as a non-profit organization, JMS excels in procurement, warehousing, and distribution services, ensuring that essential health commodities reach healthcare facilities across the country. They are renowned for maintaining high standards in the storage and handling of medical supplies, operating state-of-the-art warehouses that ensure optimal product conditions.
Additionally, JMS offers financial flexibility to healthcare institutions by providing medical products on credit, allowing facilities to manage their resources more efficiently. Recently, JMS has expanded its operations into the manufacturing sector, aiming to produce quality healthcare products locally thereby contributing to Uganda’s self-reliance in healthcare.
JMS collaborates with major partners like USAID and the Ugandan Ministry of Health, playing a crucial role in the distribution of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) and other critical medical supplies. Their extensive distribution network and emphasis on quality management make them a trusted partner in the healthcare sector.
Website: www.jms.co.ug
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