The Ethiopian Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical scientists Association in the Diaspora (EPPAD) was formally inaugurated at a symposium held on 16 February 2019 at Ethiopian Embassy in Washington DC.

The symposium provided a unique and valuable opportunity for the professionals to learn from each other and exchange ideas of significance importance.

In his opening remarks, Erimas Tilahun, President of EPPAD said that the association aims at bringing pharmaceutical and other related professionals together and serve as a platform for policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, promotion of business and access to safe and quality medicines in the US and Ethiopia. Biniyam Eshetu, Head of the Diaspora Affairs Division at the Embassy, also spoke at the occasion.

In his remarks, the Division’s Head expressed his gratitude to the founding members for bringing the professionals together so that they could support the ongoing all-inclusive reforms in their areas of expertise.

He also underscored the fact that efforts are being undertaken to develop local manufacturing capacity in Ethiopia in order to increase access to locally manufactured, quality-assured medicines.

Seven internationally recognized experts in pharmaceutical science and allied disciplines made presentations on various thematic areas during the day – long symposium.

Four interest groups were also formed at the symposium to coordinate the planning and implementation of interventions by mobilizing expertise, technology, resources and investment of the Association’s members and others who are able and willing to contribute.

It is possible to say that this initiative was conceived as the result of the current conducive political climate prevailing in Ethiopia that could be also considered as a motivating factor for pertinent professionals to engage and address the many challenges of the pharmaceutical sector in the country.

The key interest groups are: (1) philanthropic resource mobilization; (2) business development in pharmaceutical manufacturing, supply chain and R&D; (3) human capacity development through training and mentorship; and (4) advocacy in policy and regulatory matters. About a hundred and fifty distinguished