By Irene Weru, Kenyatta National Hospital
The Inaugural Africa Regional Oncology Pharmacy Symposium (AROPS 2019) was held at Tamarind Tree Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya on 16 to 17 May 2019. This was followed by two concurrent one day ISOPP Masterclasses on May 18. AROPS 2019 was co-hosted by Hospital Pharmacists Association of Kenya (HOPAK) and ISOPP.
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Members of the local organizing committee with the ISOPP team |
AROPS 2019 brought together one hundred pharmacists, technologists and other oncology healthcare providers from eight African countries. Participants came from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
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| Group photo by the poolside at the Tamarind Tree Hotel |
In his welcome remarks, the HOPAK chair Tom Menge lauded oncology pharmacists for setting the pace in the shift from a product focussed pharmacy practice to patient focussed practice. Alex Chan, ISOPP president, welcomed participants to not only the AROPS2019 symposium but also the global community of oncology pharmacy practitioners. He encouraged everyone to plug in and get involved in ISOPP as he highlighted the activities of the society.
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| ISOPP members at AROPS2019: Ramatu Alabelewe, Carien van der Merwe, Alex Chan, Jacinta Emejulu, Tegan Bilse, Harbans Dhillon and Lisa Holle |
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| Alex Chan, Irene Weru, Harbans Dhillon, Lisa Holle and David Wata |
The program was a blend of basic oncology pharmacy topics, disease management and policy. On day One, Dr. Alfred Karagu the CEO of the National Cancer Institute of Kenya gave a background of the cancer problem in Africa including a review of the Globocan 2018 report and the public health perspective while Carien from South Africa gave a personal account of her journey working in trial sites across different African countries. Carien’s presentation resonated with many of the participants as it reflected the struggles many pharmacists go through trying to set up oncology pharmacy services.
Harbans Dhilllon, ISOPP past president, introduced the ISOPP standards and shared practical steps for implementation as well as helping participants understand how to set up clean rooms. Atalay Mulu Fentie from Ethiopia shared the journey the pharmacists in Ethiopia had taken to set up oncology pharmacy services highlighting on the challenges and successes before Alex Chan presented practical steps in setting up clinical oncology pharmacy services.
Lisa Holle’s presentation on safe practices for oral chemotherapy was the preamble for the oral chemotherapy masterclass. In addition, she presented on medication risk management while David Wata completed the afternoon sessions with oncology calculations.
On the evening of day one, participants had opportunity to view poster presentations as well as explore ISOPP and HOPAK opportunities by interacting with ISOPP and HOPAK members before enjoying an evening welcome reception at the exhibitions.
On day two, gears shifted to disease management, research and access to treatment. Prof. Jessie Githanga, Prof. Chite Asirwa and Dr. Njoki Njiraini presented on Paediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Breast Cancer and Colorectal Cancer respectively. During the mid-morning session, three selected abstracts were presented by Amsalu Degu from Ethiopia currently working in Kenya, Pinky Manyau from Zimbabwe and Eunice Gathitu from Kenya. Alex Chan shared his journey in research and presented on how to conduct research in oncology pharmacy practices, skill that are applicable in other clinical settings. There were more disease updates in the afternoon with Dr. Andrew Odhiambo taking participants through the changing landscape of lung cancer management while Dr. Sitna Mwanzi gave an overview of prostate cancer management.
Judith Otele from the National Hospital Insurance Fund of Kenya gave an overview of the funding for oncology services from the payer perspective and the program closed with a brief panel discussion and audience engagement on access to treatment.
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Closing panel discussion on access to oncology treatment |
A visit to Nairobi and the Tamarind would not have been complete without enjoying the unique dining experience at the Carnivore Restaurant. Friday night, guests enjoyed some African dancing and entertainment as well as good food and company during the optional networking event with a cultural theme.
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| Music and dance at the Carnivore restaurant |
The masterclasses were house full of forty-six participants for the aseptic dispensing workshop delivered by Harbans Dhillon and forty-four for the oral anticancer therapy masterclass delivered by Lisa Holle.
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| Participants during the Aseptic Dispensing Masterclass |
Novartis Oncology was the Platinum sponsor for AROPS2019 with other sponsors being Astrazeneca, BD and Janssen Oncology. There were twelve exhibitors and additional four companies giving donations.
Tamarind Tree Hotel was a beautiful venue with just the right ambience for learning and networking. Participants enjoyed the work of art displayed in the main restaurant as they served their lunch.
During lunch in the main restaurant
AROPS2019 was a great success and we are hopeful that it was the beginning of lasting collaborations among oncology pharmacy practitioners across the African Region as we seek to play our part in advancing oncology pharmacy care.
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| HOPAK chair Tom Menge sharing a light moment with ISOPP President Alex Chan and Past President Harbans Dhillon at the end of the symposium |