2017 LOCAL CONFERENCE

By KUDZAI LEONA MKHAU (Publications Officer)

The Zimbabwe Pharmaceutical Students Association (ZPSA) local conference is an annual event which is aimed at providing students (participants) with the opportunity to expand their knowledge of the Pharmacy profession through a host of innovative activities. The local conference also creates a platform for students to interact, share ideas and have fun. Each year, the student organization proposes a theme that suits the current situation and challenges being faced by pharmacists. This year`s theme was, "Adapt or Die." Such a theme was proposed so as to equip pharmacists with ideas on how they can tackle the challenges they are facing in the current Zimbabwean economic situation.

The 2017 conference was held from the 31st of March to the 2nd of April in Kariba at the Andora Harbour (also known as Mahombekombe). The students were not in the least bit disappointed by the venue for it was really a place of great beauty. Each part of the scenery seemed to complement each other perfectly creating a beautiful ensemble. Some of the students decided to camp at the Zambezi trader boat and the others at Cutty Sark hotel, a few kilometres away. After dinner, Friday ( 31st) night was fun packed as there was a pool party. This gave the students a chance to interact and build relationships.

On Saturday the 1st of April, there were presentations from prominent figures which gave the students a broader view of the theme. The presentations commenced at 10:10 am with the first presentation being done by Dr Joey Chifamba who emphasized the need for pharmacists to Adapt to the current situation in the pharmaceutical industry. His presentation was very interesting and informative, that when he talked, everyone looked at him like he was some kind of person with more brain than anyone else in the room. Mr Dzikira, the Stocks Manager of Pharmaceutical and Chemical Distributors (pcd) presented next. He highlighted that there is more to pharmacy than dispensing drugs behind a counter. With the rise in technology, dispensing will soon be done by machines and pharmacists working behind the counter will not be rendered useful. He therefore encouraged more pharmacists to be involved in Industrial and Research Pharmacy. Mr Luckmore Bunu talked about entrepreneurship in pharmacy. A lecturer from the Harare Institute of Technology also presented. Ms Zengeni had a PowerPoint presentation on Drug and Substance abuse, mainly focusing on marijuana. Her presentation led to a very interesting debate on legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes. Mr Prosper Maposa (former ZPSA president) chaired the debate. Dr Chifamba and Mr Matowawere against the motion, while Ms Zengeni and Mr Bunu were for the motion. The debate was very interesting as students raised concerns of people abusing more marijuana if legalized. Mrs Zengeni suggested that, Zimbabwe being a third world country would largely benefit if marijuana was legalized for medicinal use as this would save money used on other synthetic drugs. It was during the debate session that students were each given a copy of the EDLIZ.

When the students had had their lunch, they got a chance to visit Lake Kariba which is the world's largest man-made lake and reservoir by volume. It lies 1300 kilometres upstream from the Indian Ocean, along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. There were tour guides in both buses( that is the UZ and HIT buses) who gave a brief history on Nyaminyami, the river God and the dam wall construction. Not much time was spent at the dam wall as they also needed to visit the crocodile farm. The two buses left for the crocodile farm at about 1530hrs.

After the visit to the crocodile farm, the student pharmacists got dressed and ready for the Night at the Oscars event. This was a formal ceremony which saw members of the outgoing executive committee receiving certificates in appreciation for their work. The following members of the Outgoing Executive Committee received certificates

• President- Gamalihle Mpofu
• Vice President- Pamela Tsimbe
• Secretary General- Anesu Venge
• Contact Person-Mercy Magava
• Student Exchange Officer- Bakani Ncube
• Publications Officer- Tanaka C Gutu
• Educations Officer- Norbert Chinowaita
• Treasurer- Tinashe Muradya
• Entertainment Officer-Troy
• Public Relations Officer- Paida

There were also awards for the best dressed male and female and the most participative student at the conference which were nominated by the students themselves.

A representative from Pharmaceutical and Chemical Distributors gave a talk on pre- registration and students were given a chance to ask questions in line with the presentation. Students raised concerns on why they have to write a pre-registration exam after their final year. He then gave clarification on this and other issues. Students got a chance to get their pictures taken.

Sunday the 2nd of April was the day set aside for the Annual General Meeting and the boat cruise. Each student was given two emotion cards, one red and another green to raise when in agreement or disagreement of the meeting`s proceedings. The AGM started at 9:30 with the outgoing president`s report (GamalihleMpofu). The treasurer reported next. Students requested that after the conference, the report be sent to them on the various social network platforms. Voting for the 2017-2018 ZPSA Committee commenced soon after the reports. The following students were elected.

• President- Tanaka Gutu
• Vice President- Arthur Munyaradzi Maunge
• Secretary General- Florence
• Contact Person-Bakani Ncube
• Students Exchange Officer- Schneider Zuidema Kadiki
• Publications Officer- Kudzai Leona Mkhau
• Public Relations Officer- Nicholas Muparadzi
• Treasurer-Edith Zemura
• Education Officer-Kudakwashe Makaka
• Entertainment Officer- Anotidaishe A Nyandoro

The New Committee was officially introduced to the people and there were two amendments that were made to the constitution. The Annual General Meeting ended on a high note, with the closing remarks being given by Gamalihle Mpofu.

WRITER : ARNOLD P  (HIT)

Why the world Congress is always an important highlight of the federation.

Time goes by fast, and people go in and out of your life so quickly, so you should never miss the opportunity to tell these people how much they mean to you says Ralph Waldo Emerson. From the 25th of July up to the 8th of August, Harare was turned into a international hub filled with ambitious minds who want to change the world through the pharmaceutical profession. The World Congress is the key annual event of the International Pharmaceutical Students' Federation (IPSF) and ZPSA Zimbabwe won the bid to host the 62nd IPSF World Congress 2016, 20 years after the event had been hosted in Africa.

As the participants witnessed, it was really time for Africa as we all united to pull up this monumental event which will forever stay in our hearts. Friends were made, history made and memories we will always treasure and cherish. Whether you attended or not, let's take this opportunity to revive these memories as we dig into the flesh of LIT, followed by WC marinated by PCT.

LIT (Leader in Training)

It was attended by 33 participants which benefited from leadership skills delivered by trainers, team building activities and life long networking during the day at Harare Institute of Technology. Not forgetting the breathtaking social events wich took place during the nights as the LITiers took time to discover the sunshine city and its breath taking city life. These activities pumped in the life blood into these simply beautiful LITiers who took over the congress with a bang.

World Congress: Igniting, Innovating and Implementing in the world of Wonders

The congress was packed with activities which left vibrant, motivated Pharmily ready to shape the future of pharmacy and this will go down well if we break them down into days.

Day 0: Amazing entrance by the Zimbos as the congress starts in style

It was an amazing opening as the delegates took part in the flag ceremony conducted by Madam President Ms. Dayl Eccles with the help of Vice President Mr. Israel Bimpe. People couldn't help it but scream out of excitement as the performers took the stage during entertainment breaks. The whole group was brought to astand still by the entrance of the Zimbos giving more traction to the program which had already gained momentum. After the introduction by the Chairperson of the congress Chello, the crowd started chanting praises which where complemented by music and an amazing dance. Well everybody joined which made the event epic, and there was dance.

Day 1 : Congress gaining traction

The General Assembly kicked off smoothly as well as the workshops giving a signal for an educating and informing program. There were also several meetings like discover IPSF, CPs meeting, SEO meeting and IPSF in your corner. On the social scene Australians opened up the costume party by impersonating Greek Gods - when you don't bring a costume... your bedsheets are always an option. Others thronged the venue dressed as doctors, pharmacists, and surgeons.

Day 2: Speakers left students clamoring for more as the educational symposia delivers as expected

We are always looking for new opportunities in practice, thanks to Michael j Rouse who opened up the educational symposia with mind boggling speech on Creating opportunities through adoption of newunique skills inpractice, our minds wereopened up to . DrGwazadid enough justice by giving us a view of the pharmaceutical sector in Africa and in all over the world. Sven A Norman and Dr Dan Kabule made our afternoon great by giving us enlightening talk on emerging technologies in pharmacy practice. This was followed by Zimbo night which was filled with spectacular performances. The crowd went wild with the outstanding performance from the kid dancer, he definitely has better rhythm than some of us adults. It was a great night in did and delegates ended the night with new musical skills.

Day 3: Opening Ceremony

It was a great day for this congress as we saw the congress being officially opened by the Vice Chancellor of University of Zimbabwe, accompanied with staff from the department, Harare Institute of Technology and also from the professional sector. Everyone was looking awesome and happy after the congress photo was taken, what do you expect, people are excited about the congress and guess what, we just getting started. The same night auction night was one of the best since we witnessed a jaw dropping sale of $4092!!!The title of the greatest sale goes out to the French faluche which sold for fat $1250.

Day 4: Workshops kick start

This day was filled with lots of activities, from the GA, parallel workshops, Regional Assemblies and finally participants exploring the city. It was a free night and a lot of people went out and several parties were organized with the most talked about cake fight topping the list.

Day 5: The jitters, the willies, the heebie-jeebies as we welcome the new IPSF President!

This was the greatest day for IPSF and more importantly for IPSF Afro as MR IsraelBimpe was voted in as the new IPSF president. The night was the foam party. As the roaring crowd gathered in the foyer preparing for foam party, the excitement was evident as the participants dressed in their swim suites for the event. Only if the people support day activities as well as they do the social night events, that would be awe inspiring.

Day 6: The most peaceful place on the continent

Some may wonder why Inyanga in Zimbabwe is loved by tourist who love quite peaceful environments with amazing view always find themselves there. As those who participated on the excursion day they can confirm that this, there were relaxing beautiful views from pine forests, winding roads in the mountains, natural pools, falls and the trout back resort, a place you can just seat and enjoy the sunset!

Day 7: Showing love in Africa

The public health campaign left beautiful smiles on Zimbabweans, as they received invaluable information from the delegates of the 62nd IPSF WC. Congratulations to Team Argentina, who won the bid of hosting the IPSF WC 2018. The night was a neon party and people partied and socialized.

Day 8: Why do pharmacy when you grow up

This point was clearly laid out to our young ones at a nearby high school during the public health campaign. The general assembly and workshops went well as planned.

Day 9: Final night together as a group.

This was one of the most beautiful nights of the congress as people dressed up for the Gala night. Words cannotsuffice to describe how spectacular it was and the closing speech was given by HIT Vice Chancellor Engineer Q C Kanhukamwe.

PCT: The world of wonders

PCT was amazing what do you expect, Zimbabwe is a world of wonders! As you can see this was time for Africa and we should say congratulations for pulling this off. As we always do in IPSF we never say goodbye. People parted in tears and suffered greatly from post congress digression but in the end we just say see you soon, it's such a small world in IPSF.