Odokonyero Kennedy
Last month, I participated in the 70th IPSF World Congress in Nairobi, Kenya. The International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF) is the global advocacy group for pharmacy and pharmaceutical science students, as well as recent graduates. IPSF holds a very special place in my heart. I was an active member during my formative years as a pharmacy student, serving in several positions at both the regional office and the global level, while traveling widely to IPSF events, including the 62nd Congress in Harare, Zimbabwe, in 2016—nearly a decade ago! IPSF has had a profound impact on both my professional and personal life, examples of which I’ll briefly highlight in this newsletter. So, when I received the invitation to speak at this year’s congress, nothing could stand in the way of my resounding “yes.”
Pharmacovigilance and Patient Safety Symposium
I was invited to speak on a panel discussing:
The Safety Equation: Evolving Frameworks, Smarter Systems, and Shared Responsibility in Pharmacovigilance.
I shared my experience as a Local PV Expert, explaining how I work with clients to navigate differing pharmacovigilance regulations, and the risks and benefits of regulatory alignment across Africa.
I described my role as a “bridge” and “translator” of varying regulations into PV operational programs, and a “designer”of flexible frameworks that meet local requirements. On the question of harmonisation, I highlighted several benefits: pooling data across countries to detect rare or geographically clustered signals earlier, improving resource efficiency by reducing costs of training stakeholders and avoiding duplication of work.
However, harmonisation also has challenges: the potential loss of local context, increased governance complexity, and questions of liability—such as who ultimately owns decisions and communications across jurisdictions. My key message was clear:
Align where it materially improves patient safety; stay local where context matters; and always empower local health authorities as the ultimate decision-makers.
It was inspiring to see pharmacovigilance featured at a student conference. I believe this will boost awareness among future health care professionals and even inspire some to pursue careers in PV.
Alumni Fireside Chat
The day after the symposium, I joined the Alumni Fireside Chat themed:
From IPSF to Impact: Navigating Life & Leadership Beyond the Federation.
I shared my IPSF journey with the congress delegates. More than just a story, it was a testimony. My very first consulting projects in PV and quality management came through friends I met in IPSF. My turning point in PV was also IPSF-related—a colleague with whom I served in my local student association invited me to a PV stakeholders’ meeting that inspired me to plan for a career in the field. IPSF did not only open doors for me, it prepared me to work at a global level. Through the federation I learned to thrive in multicultural environments and discovered that my skills could extend far beyond Uganda.
The other highlight was the focus group discussions on careers in PV. I encouraged delegates to start practicing pharmacovigilance right now, even as students. In community or hospital pharmacies, they could talk to patients about adverse effects and report suspected cases to health authorities.
I also debunked the myth that consulting requires decades of experience. You start with what you know at any stage and continuously develop your expertise while growing into the role. I, however, cautioned against unrealistic expectations—while consulting offers flexibility and potentially higher income, it also comes with an impermanence of projects and absence of the usual corporate employee benefits.
Chapeau to the Reception Committee
It was wonderful to see the IPSF World Congress return to the IPSF African Regional Office (AfRO). The event was exceptionally well organized, full of insightful sessions. I am certain delegates left Kenya enriched with knowledge, connections, and friendships that will shape their futures—just as IPSF did for me.
Kudos to SilvanusManyala and the entire team for delivering a successful congress. And to the ever-brilliant Sandra Aiyabei, the Education & Scientific Lead for the congress—you did an amazing job curating the scientific program. Thank you for ensuring that pharmacovigilance had a place in the congress.
To Today’s Pharmacy Students
Seize every IPSF opportunity, build networks, and explore new fields like pharmacovigilance. You never know which connection, event, or conversation will set you on a path to impact. For me, the congress was not just about sharing knowledge, but about reconnecting with the roots of my professional journey. IPSF shaped who I am today, and I am honored to continue walking alongside this vibrant community.
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