Pharmacists from African countries have committed to ensure stronger cooperation in order to enhance sharing of information, skills and knowledge.

The commitment was made, yesterday, at the ongoing African Pharmaceutical International Symposium at University of Rwanda’s College of Economics and Business in Kigali.

The symposium brought together undergraduate pharmacy students and other medical practioners from different African countries, including DR Congo, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria.

Israel Bimpe, the president of Rwanda Pharmacy Student Association (RPSA), said such cooperation would facilitate joint advocacy for open access to research materials, open data, universal health coverage and access to essential medicines.

He noted that the cooperation would also be the gateway of solutions for the country.

"Today, we set the bar high for all students with similar initiatives, and we call upon more support from our leaders in form of  guidance,” Bimpe said.

"This does not benefit us personally, but the country as whole as we grow into value-based  leaders with an aim to transform the nation and the continent.”

Uniting all the African pharmacy students so that they can fight for their professional image was among the topics discussed during the meeting.

The conference also offered a platform to discuss progress in research, development, standards and application of topics related to healthcare.

Prof. Nelson M. Ijumba, University of Rwanda Vice deputy chancellor for academic affairs and research, said the theme idealising the pharmacy profession by merging research and practice was appropriate to their endeavour of engaging in research that is relevant.

"We consider this research to be a fundamental enabler for us since our mission is to contribute to the development of Rwanda, through knowledge creation and commitment to the highest standards of academic excellence, where students are prepared for lives of service, leadership and solutions,” said Ijumba.

He also said findings in traditional medicine and global health will enhance the country’s capacity to add value to its development.

Geofry Beingana, RPSA’s vice president, said, as pharmacists from Rwanda, they are aiming at sharing experiences from other developed countries, on how they work and what they have gained so far in the field of pharmacy.

"We believe this symposium will help us learn from other countries the latest scientific  developments in pharmacy, as well as boosts the perception of the entire profession,” he said.