Dear Colleagues
As 2023 comes to an end, it is a fitting time to reflect on the accomplishments and challenges that MEAPP has faced over the past year, present our plans for the upcoming year 2024, and take the opportunity to wish you all a fruitful and successful 2024.
First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to every one of you. Without your unwavering support, commitment and dedication, none of our accomplishments would have been possible. In the spirit of collaboration and partnership we have worked together towards a common goal of excellence.
In 2023, our primary focus was on introducing and launching MEAPP’s presence in the Middle East. This started with the kick-off conference “Domiciliation of Medicine Development in Egypt” that was held in February in Cairo, Egypt. The conference was well attended by delegates from academia, regulatory authorities, pharmaceutical industry, CROs, and research institutes. The overwhelming positive feedback we received after the conference, has exceeded our expectations and further affirms our objective.
Furthermore, MEAPP took great strides in cultivating strategic partnerships with other organisations such as King’s College London (KCL), the National Research Center in Egypt (NRC) and Amman’s Arab University in Jordan, among others. These collaborations and partnerships have enabled us to expand our reach and influence, while also fostering knowledge sharing and professional growth.
The Building Capacity project was a major milestone for MEAPP through funding by The British Council in Cairo and collaboration between KCL and NRC, where MEAPP guarantees the sustainability of the project following the cessation of the funding. I had the pleasure and pride- to deliver the first module to such a brilliant bunch of students, who received their accredited certificate of completion last month in a remarkable ceremony.
In 2023, MEAPP has participated effectively in several important global events such as the European Regional Meeting of The International Federation of Associations of Pharmaceutical Physicians and Pharmaceutical Medicine (IFAPP) in Amsterdam and presented a poster, and also participated in Asia Pacific Regional Meeting in Tokyo and contributed to WMA, CIOMS, and ICH consultation paper that will be opened for public opinion early next year, through our representation in the IFAPP Ethics Working Group.
Looking ahead to the coming year 2024, we are aiming for even greater accomplishments, growth and partnerships. Our top priority is to establish new partnerships and create a strong sense of community among our members through targeted initiatives and improved communication channels.
The current situation in the Middle East region has negatively impacted our initial plans for MEAPP annual conference in Jordan early 2024, but we are in advanced negotiations and planning already to hold it in the early summer in another country. The conference will be bigger than the last one with posters presentation from young researchers and prize awards for the best ones. The conference title will be “Domiciliation of Medicine Development in the Middle East”. Follow details on the website.
In addition, we recognise the need for continuous learning and development in today's rapidly evolving landscape and to address this, we will be introducing stand-alone courses tailored to the specific needs of our members to take at their own pace. This will equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in their professional endeavours.
Furthermore, we have ambitious plans to expand our reach to more countries in the Middle East and Africa to continue raising awareness about Pharmaceutical Medicine specialty.
As we embark on this exciting journey, I invite all our members to actively participate and contribute to the success of our MEAPP and our cause. Please also look out for invitations to join a number of committees and working groups. We plan to further develop our strategy and objectives for 2024-26. We will be engaging with all of you in this vital activity, your valuable insights, ideas, and feedback are crucial in shaping the future direction of our association.
In conclusion, the past year has been a period of growth, development, and accomplishment for our association. Together, -our members, staff, and all our stakeholders – are resilient and ambitious, and by working together we can exceed expectations and deliver on our mission.
As we have overcome challenges, celebrated successes, and laid a solid foundation for the future, I am confident that with our shared vision, dedication, and determination, the coming year will be even more remarkable.
Above all, please look after yourselves and your colleagues and families. My very best wishes to you all. I am truly excited about the opportunities that lie ahead to further promote Pharmaceutical Medicine. Here's to a successful and fulfilling year for all of us!
Sincerely,
Assem S. el Baghdady, MD, MFPM (Dist), FRCP, GFMD
MEAPP President & Founder
