Accra, April 20, 2026 — Ghana’s capital has become the centre of high-level scientific discussions on medicine safety as it hosts the 5th Annual Conference of Pharmacoepidemiology in Africa, a three-day gathering of experts focused on improving health outcomes across the continent.
The conference, organised by the Africa Regional Interest Group (AfRIG) of the International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology, is bringing together leading researchers, policymakers and healthcare professionals from Africa and beyond to examine how medicines, vaccines and health technologies perform in real-world settings.
Running from April 20 to 22 in Accra, the event is expected to generate practical, Africa-driven solutions to strengthen pharmacovigilance systems, combat antimicrobial resistance and promote the rational use of medicines.
Organisers say hosting the conference in Ghana reflects the country’s growing influence in pharmaceutical policy development and medicine safety research, while also deepening collaboration among pharmacy professionals across the region.
The programme features keynote addresses, plenary sessions, scientific symposia and a series of oral and poster presentations. Participants will also engage in hands-on workshops led by internationally recognised researchers, with dedicated sessions designed to support early-career scientists through mentorship and networking opportunities.
“This conference provides a unique platform to build strong regional and global partnerships and to share impactful research that advances the safe and effective use of medicines,” the organisers said in a statement issued by the local host committee.
Major global industry players, including Boehringer Ingelheim, Regeneron, IQVIA, Johnson & Johnson and Optima Clinical, are supporting the conference alongside ISPE.
Key national institutions such as the Ministry of Health Ghana, University of Ghana, University of Cape Coast, Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana, Pharmacy Council Ghana and Medicines Utilization Research in Africa are also collaborating on the event.
Pharmacoepidemiology — the science underpinning the conference — applies population-based methods to understand the benefits, risks and usage patterns of medicines and vaccines in everyday settings, helping guide safer and more effective healthcare decisions.
The organisers say outcomes from the conference are expected to inform policy, strengthen regulatory systems and enhance patient safety across Africa.