Background

The problem of poor-quality medicines and medical devices represents a global public health emergency – and one that is not showing signs of abating. Although it is impossible to gain accurate estimates of the scale of the issue, experts gauge that 10% to 30% of medical products in global circulation are either falsified or substandard. In recent years, a proliferation of new technologies have sought to tackle this problem – from sophisticated end-to-end blockchain solutions, to simple text messaging services for
patients.

Although these innovations are widely implemented (and may impact clinical decisions, health policies, and create opportunities for quantifiable research) the options available, and their role in decision-making, is still somewhat confusing. This event seeks to bring together innovators, researchers, and those with an interest in medical product quality to explore the landscape of technologies that are used to tackle substandard and falsified medical products, through talks, exhibitions, real-world stories, and remote networking opportunities.

Event overview

Talks: Webinar style talks will take place each day from 14:00 – 16:00 GMT, via Zoom.

Speakers

• Prof Muhammad Zaman, Boston University.
  – Is there a ‘technological fix’ to the SF problem?
• Dr Celine Caillet, University of Oxford.
  – Portable Screening Devices for post marketing surveillance of medicines quality in the Lao PDR.
• Dr Harparkash Kaur, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
  – Field-friendly methods for screening and detecting SF medical products.
• Prof Dr Lutz Heide, Tuebingen University.
  – Implementing detection technologies in low-resource settings.
• Michael Deats, Formerly of WHO & MHRA.
  – Connecting the dots: information exchange to tackle SF medical products.
• Rutendo Kuwana, WHO & ZimHealth.
  – Balancing act: safeguarding quality and maximising accessibility as a national regulator.

Exhibits

In a showcase of research and innovation, we look forward to exhibiting various technologies for tackling SF medical products – and research into their performance and use.
– Posters.
– Scientific posters, A4, PDF.
– Oral abstracts.
– Pre-recorded video presentation, scientific research, max 10 minutes.
– Video pitches.
– Pre-recorded video pitch, product oriented, max 10 minutes.
– Whitepapers.
– Technical product information, PDF.

Contributions invited. For more information, visit: https://www.globalpharmacyexchange.org/general-9 

Stories

Our perspectives are shaped by experience. So, if we only “see” through the lens of our own experience, we only “see” our own interpretation of the picture. With an aim to teach, inspire, and broaden collective understanding, we will use story-telling to share varied and personal perspectives on the complex problem of SF medical products.

– Written stories.
– Blogs of any length and in any language will be considered.
– Oral stories.
– Podcasts, via interview or as a solo tale.
– Pictorial stories.
– Photographs (of art or real-life) that represent “the problem of SF
medical products”.

Contributions are encouraged – particularly from those who live and/or work in the Global South.

Networking

Meet other delegates. Opportunities for remote networking will be made available.

Certificate of Contribution

Certificates will be available for delegates who successfully present, exhibit, or submit a story for the event.