Rwanda has been selected to host the fourth edition of the African Pharmaceutical Students’ Symposium scheduled for July 2015.

The meeting brings together pharmacy students, recent graduates and pharmacy professionals under International Pharmaceutical Students Federation (IPSF).

Rwanda Pharmaceutical Students’ Association is the lead organiser of the continental meet.

The country was selected as host for next year’s meeting last month following a bid submitted to the International Pharmaceutical Students Association Africa, at the third edition of their meeting in Zimbabwe.

The weeklong symposium in Kigali will attract more than 300 delegates from over 10 African countries.

Marie Ange Uwase, a fourth year pharmacy student at the University of Rwanda, was recently appointed the chairperson of the event’s organising committee.

According to Uwase, the meeting will explore ways of improving patients’ safety, including establishing structures that reduce harm.

Pharmacy students will also get an overview of the work and challenges ahead and how to manage them appropriately and get an opportunity to improve their knowledge about patient safety.

Grasp of concept

Perception and understanding of pharmacy practice in Rwanda and other African countries will also be discussed, Uwase added.

Rwanda Pharmaceutical Students’ Association has a membership of about 390 students pursuing Pharmacy in the country.

It is the leading national advocacy organisation for pharmacy students aiming at improving and promoting public health through provision of information, education, research and networking with other organisations nationally or internationally as well as the improvement and development of the skills and knowledge of participating students.

It is linked to other pharmaceutical students’ associations worldwide through the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation.

Rwanda becomes the fourth country to host the continent’s pharmaceutical conference after Algeria, which hosted the inaugural edition, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe that hosted this year’s meeting in June.