EPN - Ecumenical Pharmaceutical Network

11/09/2026

The countdown to the 10th EPN Biennial Forum 2026 is on!

From 5–9 October 2026, EPN together with Churches Health Association of Zambia and PharmaConnect Africa will bring together healthcare leaders from Africa and beyond in Lusaka, Zambia, to explore how we can build 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘴 that ensure 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵–𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴.

This is an opportunity to share what is working, learn from others, explore new approaches, build partnerships, and contribute to practical solutions for stronger health systems across Africa.

Venue: Ciêla Resort & Spa, Lusaka, Zambia
Date: 5–9 October 2026

Have you secured your place? 👉 Register now and join us in Lusaka!
https://lnkd.in/dEMUpSS7

Join us as we shape stronger health systems. Let’s reach the last mile.
𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀, 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆!

For more info, visit at https://lnkd.in/duEpryC4

27/07/2026

Registration is ongoing for the 10th EPN Biennial Forum 2026!

From 5 to 9 October 2026 in Lusaka, Zambia, the Forum will convene health leaders, policymakers, pharmaceutical professionals, researchers, manufacturers, development partners, faith-based organizations, and innovators from across Africa and beyond to explore practical solutions for sustainable and resilient health systems that deliver quality healthcare to the last mile.

The Forum will be co-hosted by the Churches Health Association of Zambia - CHAZ and PharmaConnect Africa Conference, and will feature:
- High-level plenary sessions with leading health experts
- Interactive thematic discussions and panel sessions
- Research presentations and poster exhibitions
- Networking and partnership opportunities
- A dynamic exhibition showcasing healthcare innovations, products, and technologies
- The launch of key EPN strategic and advocacy documents
- Opportunities to engage with decision-makers shaping Africa's health agenda
Join a diverse community of health leaders and changemakers committed to strengthening health systems, advancing innovation, and improving access to quality healthcare across Africa.

Register today and secure your place: https://forms.gle/3c2o3Gby4xPk6Wtz8

Learn more: https://www.epnetwork.org/the-epn-biennial-forum/

18/06/2026

Every community deserves access to quality healthcare, medicines, and health technologies regardless of how remote or underserved it may be.
Yet across Africa, many health systems continue to face challenges that affect their ability to consistently reach the people who need care most. Building stronger, more sustainable, and resilient systems is therefore not just a priority, it is a necessity.

This is the focus of the 10th under the theme: "Sustainable and Resilient Health Systems for Last-Mile Access in Africa."
From 5–9 October 2026 in Lusaka, Zambia, health leaders, policymakers, researchers, pharmaceutical professionals, manufacturers, development partners, and faith-based organizations will come together to share experiences, explore solutions, and strengthen partnerships that can help transform healthcare across the continent.
When health systems are resilient, communities are healthier, healthcare is more equitable, and no one is left behind.

Learn more: https://www.epnetwork.org/the-epn-biennial-forum

18/06/2026

29/04/2026

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a rising concern and communities across Africa are already feeling its impact.

Join faith and health leaders from across the continent for the launch of the AMR Sermon Guide for African Churches—a practical, faith-based resource designed to equip faith leaders to empower communities to understand AMR and its impact, promote responsible use of antibiotics, and inspire community action to protect lives.

Date: Tuesday, 5 May 2026
Time: 11:00am-1:00pm GMT | 12noon-2:00pm WAT | 1:00pm-3:00pm CAT | 14:00 – 16:00 EAT

Register now: 67cfa22b-1089-4205-9ce0-0dc2019fbfa5@d7a24534-5289-48de-870b-09fe9ba81068" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/67cfa22b-1089-4205-9ce0-0dc2019fbfa5@d7a24534-5289-48de-870b-09fe9ba81068

Change starts with awareness. Let’s act together.

25/04/2026

Today, on World Malaria Day 2026, EPN joins the global community in reaffirming that malaria is preventable, treatable, and can be defeated with sustained action and strong health systems.

At the EPN, we continue to strengthen pharmaceutical systems that ensure communities have access to quality-assured medicines, reliable supply chains, and essential health services. We work with faith-based and national health systems to improve the availability of effective malaria commodities, support safe and rational use of medicines, and promote community awareness to improve early care-seeking and prevention.

We are Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must

Through strong partnerships and resilient systems, we can protect more lives and move closer to a malaria-free future.

24/04/2026

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a growing threat across Africa, but together, we can act.
Join us for the Launch of the AMR Sermon Guide for African Churches, a powerful, faith-based resource designed to help communities understand and respond to AMR.

This interactive webinar will explore how faith and health leaders can work together to promote responsible antibiotic use and protect life-saving medicines.

Date: Tuesday, 5 May 2026
Time: 14:00 – 16:00 EAT | 11:00–13:00 GMT | 12:00–14:00 WAT | 13:00–15:00 CAT
Register here: 67cfa22b-1089-4205-9ce0-0dc2019fbfa5@d7a24534-5289-48de-870b-09fe9ba81068" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/67cfa22b-1089-4205-9ce0-0dc2019fbfa5@d7a24534-5289-48de-870b-09fe9ba81068

Let’s come together to build healthier communities and safeguard medicines for future generations.

Learn more here: https://www.epnetwork.org/webinar-launch-of-the-amr-sermon-guide

22/04/2026

In Kakamega County, Kenya, EPN and the Christian Health Association of Kenya (CHAK) recently carried out supportive supervisory and monitoring visits as part of the IMPACT Project, working closely with county health leadership and frontline teams.

From county-level discussions to facility visits, one thing stood out: practical improvements are taking shape where it matters most, at the point of care.

What’s changing?
- More consistent availability of essential medicines
- Enhanced dispensing practices, with greater attention to patient counselling and privacy
- Stronger Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) systems and more active Medicines & Therapeutics Committees
- Stronger collaboration between public and faith-based facilities

It was encouraging to see how continuous training and mentorship are translating into better service delivery and improved patient experience.

IMPACT project is aimed to enhance access to and quality of pharmaceutical care in rural areas of Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania through strengthening the capacity of healthcare workers, particularly in medicine supply chain management, rational use of medicines, dispensing practices, and addressing the special needs of the elderly. The project is supported by action medeor e.V.


Read more here: https://www.epnetwork.org/impact-project-field-visits-2026/

09/04/2026

EPN continues to collaborate with its members, partners, and national stakeholders to strengthen regulatory frameworks, build the capacity of healthcare workers, and foster stronger coordination across the faith-based health system.

In Malawi, this effort recently reached an important milestone with the launch of the SAFER Project in partnership with Christian Health Association of Malawi (CHAM). The initiative is designed to strengthen national systems to effectively address poor-quality medicines and safeguard communities.

The launch convened key institutions, including the Ministry of Health, Pharmacy Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA), Central Medical Stores Trust (CMST), World Health Organization (WHO), CID, and the Pharmaceutical Society of Malawi. EPN was represented by Dr. Diana Ogutu, who leads the SAFER Project and and EPN's Quality Assurance, Surveillance & Regulatory Systems programme.

Key discussions revealed that while technical knowledge is available, gaps remain in coordination, systems, and protocols needed to translate detection into meaningful action. Strengthening collaboration across regulatory, supply chain, and enforcement functions emerged as a critical priority.

There was strong alignment among stakeholders on the need for a more connected, multi-sectoral approach, one that enables faster information sharing and more effective responses.

With the support of CHAM, government institutions, and plan:g ( Partnership for Global Health), EPN is optimistic about advancing a safer, more resilient pharmaceutical system in Malawi.