PROFORMA: Report on the project closure symposium
On 19 December 2024, the PROFORMA project concluded its six-year journey with a closure symposium held in Stockholm, Sweden. This important occasion was attended by representatives from all consortium partners, celebrating the project’s accomplishments and the newly graduated doctors involved. The PROFORMA project has generated critical evidence on the safety, tolerability and effectiveness of drugs used in mass drug administration programmes in East Africa.
Annika Östman Wernerson, president of Karolinska Institutet, delivered the opening remarks, recognising the significant strides made by the PROFORMA project. Professor Eleni Aklillu provided an insightful overview of the project’s objectives and key milestones, illustrating its profound impact on the enhancement of pharmacovigilance and post-marketing surveillance systems across Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Rwanda. Each participating country presented a short video, showcasing how the PROFORMA project has contributed to strengthening their national pharmacovigilance systems.
Videos presented by the countries:
The symposium also featured pre-recorded videos from PROFORMA PhD graduates, who shared their academic journeys, highlighting both their successes and the challenges faced.
Videos presented by the PhD students:
They expressed sincere gratitude to EDCTP, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), and Karolinska Institutet for their support.
The afternoon sessions were dedicated to discussions on future research and collaboration opportunities, focusing on regional harmonisation of medicine regulation within the East African Community and fostering North-South and South-South partnerships.