Among 10 pharmacy students’ member organizations that newly joined the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF) last year from 10 countries, with heartwarming news, GMU Pharmacy Students’ Association (GPSA) was awarded the first place (best) new member organization in the Middle East and North Africa and the second place globally. This celebration took place in Bali, Indonesia where the 68th IPSF World Congress took place this year gathering more than 300 pharmacy students coming from around the world. This award is given to member organizations that showed exemplary performance throughout the year with regards to pharmacy students activities, projects, national and international collaborations, among others.
GPSA was established in September 2021, and then it was accepted as a new member organization in IPSF in August 2022. After that, in February 2023 it hosted the annual face-to-face meeting for the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO) of IPSF and the UAE National Pharmacy Students Congress. During this 2-year journey so far, GPSA organized numerous community engagement activities that address diverse public health issues, many competitions that improve the professional skills of GMU Pharmacy Students, initiated many collaborations with local colleges of pharmacy in UAE and other member organizations in the Middle East region, and opened countless IPSF career growth opportunities for its members.
GPSA’s next target for the 2023-24 mandate is to be awarded the 1st place global award for new member organizations.
In the below picture, Ms. Ebtehal Elsayed – the Chairperson of IPSF EMRO to which GPSA belongs – receiving this award on behalf of GPSA team.