Overview
BACKGROUND
Pharmacoepidemiology is the study of the patterns and determinants of drug use in human
populations. It entails comparison of pharmaceutical interventions for their cost-effectiveness
with the aim of optimizing allocation of resources to the most effective and least costly
interventions. It involves the application of epidemiological approaches to study drug utilization,
effectiveness, value and safety in human populations. It borrows from both clinical
pharmacology and epidemiology. Pharmacovigilance, on the other hand, is the science of post-
marketing surveillance, quality assurance and total quality management of pharmaceutical
health delivery.
Health delivery in Third World countries is hampered by inadequate financial resources and
planning. In many health care systems financial resources are wasted on irrational and
inappropriate use of drugs. This problem therefore emphasizes the need to train professionals
in pharmacoepidemiology and pharmacovigilance so as to promote rational use of medicines,
improve therapeutic interventions and to promote effective utilization of limited financial
resources.
OBJECTIVES
- Apply epidemiological and pharmacological knowledge in identification, documentation, and quantification of risk factors for medication errors and other adverse events.
- Develop public health interventions, policies and other appropriate strategies to minimize harm and medication related problems to patients and the public.
- Optimize resource utilization in healthcare for the most cost-effective interventions.
- Describe the local and international regulatory framework for pharmacovigilance.
- Apply knowledge and skills in pharmacovigilance in industry, clinical and regulatory settings.
- Conduct independent and original research.
PHILOSOPHY
The philosophy of pharmacy training is empowering the learner in the provision of safe and efficacious medicines that do not harm patients. Although medications play a critical role disease, they cause iatrogenic disorders if used irrationally. Pharmacovigilance, also known as Medicines Safety, is the science of continuous monitoring and evaluation of pharmaceutical related risks and benefits.
RATIONALE
Pharmacoepidemiology is the study of the patterns and determinants of medicines use in populations, whereas Pharmacovigilance, also known as Medicines Safety oversight, is the science of continuous monitoring and evaluation of pharmaceutical product related risks and benefits.
In many health care systems financial resources are wasted through irrational and inappropriate use of medicines hence contributing to increased morbidity and mortality and socio-economic burden. To address this problem therefore there is need to train specialists in pharmacoepidemiology and pharmacovigilance who will spearhead promotion of rational use of medicines, improve therapeutic interventions and to support and drive effective utilization of limited financial resources in the health sector.
Structure
STRUCTURE
The course leading to the Degree of Master of Pharmacy in Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacovigilance shall be a minimum of six (6) semesters equivalent to three academic years and a maximum of twelve (12) semesters equivalent to six academic years.
An academic year shall consist of two semesters of 18 weeks each. Year I shall consist of course work; Year II shall be devoted to course work and experiential learning; and Year III shall be devoted to research leading to a dissertation. A learner shall only proceed to the next year of study after successful completion of the preceding year.
In preparation for Year III the learner shall be required to develop a research proposal whose theme shall be within a relevant area. Both the proposal and dissertation shall be expected to compile to the minimum University threshold for non-plagiarism.
MODE OF DELIVERY OF THE PROGRAMME
The course shall be offered either by open learning, distance learning and face to face learning and shall be conducted through blended learning approach comprising lectures, practicum/field visits, tutorials, e-learning, seminars, and experiential attachment in selected practice sites.
Admission Requirements
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The following shall be eligible for admission into the programme:
- Holders of Bachelor of Pharmacy degree of the University of Nairobi or an equivalent qualification from an institution recognized by Senate.
- Registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board or with the relevant regulatory body for international applicants.
- Applicants from non-English speaking countries shall provide evidence of proficiency English.
SCHEDULE OF INTAKES
Intakes are in September every calendar year. Registration and admission for qualified applicants commence in August. For more information on Registration & Admission please click here.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
When To Apply - applications for admission are received on a rolling basis, and you should try to apply as soon as possible after you meet the admission requirements stipulated above. Module II applications may be submitted directly here.
Application Fees - an application fee of Ksh 3000.00 for Module II applications must be paid for every application.
Required documentation – copies of your KCSE (or GCSE/GCE) certificate, Bachelor of Pharmacy degree certificate plus transcripts, and the Registration Certificate from the Pharmacy and Poisons Board or with the relevant regulatory body must be submitted with the application. You must also submit a certified copy of a picture ID (national identity card, passport biodata page). All uploaded documents must be certified, clear and legible.
CONTACTS OF SUPPORT PERSONS
For enquiries, kindly contact the Chairman’s Office via:
Email: dept-pharmacy@uonbi.ac.ke
Tel: +254 020 491 5007
Careers
CAREERS
The objectives of the program are to produce experts in pharmacoepidemiology and pharmacovigilance with appropriate knowledge, attitudes and skills who can contribute to:
- Regulatory authorities
- Governmental Agencies
- Hospital Pharmacy Practice
- Pharmacovigilance organizations
- Pharmacoeconomics
- Pharmacy Education
- Specialized Area Opportunities
ATTACHMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The Department is committed, whenever possible, to providing the students with opportunities to acquire, sharpen their knowledge and gain technical/practical skills to complement their studies in order to enhance their employability in line with the Kenya vision 2030. Attachment is provided to students from recognized learning institutions during their final two years of study.
Only attachés from Government recognized Training Institutions shall be eligible for intake.
NOTABLE ALUMNI.
Dr Lucy Mecca – Head, National Vaccines and Immunizations Program
Dr. Christabel Khaemba – Head, Pharmacovigilance Division (PPB)
Fees and Funding
|
FEE BREAKDOWN |
YEAR 1 |
YEAR 2 |
YEAR 3 |
TOTALS |
|
TUITION |
348,000.00 |
348,000.00 |
348,000.00 |
1,044,000.00 |
|
MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) |
6,500.00 |
6,500.00 |
6,500.00 |
19,500.00 |
|
CAUTION - (ONCE) |
5,000.00 |
- |
- |
5,000.00 |
|
ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) |
7,000.00 |
7,000.00 |
7,000.00 |
21,000.00 |
|
EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) |
10,000.00 |
7,000.00 |
- |
17,000.00 |
|
ACTIVITY (PER YEAR) |
2,000.00 |
2,000.00 |
2,000.00 |
6,000.00 |
|
LIBRARY (PER YEAR) |
5,000.00 |
5,000.00 |
5,000.00 |
15,000.00 |
|
ID CARD (PER YEAR) |
1,000.00 |
1,000.00 |
1,000.00 |
3,000.00 |
|
REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER @2250) |
4,500.00 |
4,500.00 |
4,500.00 |
13,500.00 |
|
STUDENT ORGANISATION (PER YEAR) |
1,000.00 |
1,000.00 |
1,000.00 |
3,000.00 |
|
THESIS EXAMINATION |
- |
- |
30,000.00 |
30,000.00 |
|
GRAND TOTALS |
390,000.00 |
382,000.00 |
405,000.00 |
1,177,000.00 |
Exam Regulations
A candidate shall present himself/herself for University Examinations at the end of each semester of study or at such time as may be determined with approval by Senate.
A candidate shall not be allowed to take university examinations unless he/s he has attended a minimum of two thirds of allotted time for each of the prescribed courses.
The pass mark for any one subject shall be 50%. Continuous assessment shall contribute to the final examination mark.
A candidate who fails to satisfy the examiners may, depending on their academic performance and progression and on recommendation of the Committee of Examiners and approval of Senate, be permitted to sit for supplementary exams in the failed examination, be required to repeat the year in the failed subjects or be discontinued from the degree programme.
A candidate shall not be allowed to repeat a course(s) on academic ground more than once in any given year.
A candidate who satisfies the examiners in all the examinations for all the years of study shall, on the recommendation of the Board of examiners and approval of Senate, be awarded the degree of Master of Pharmacy in Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacovigilance of the University of Nairobi.
A candidate who fails to satisfy the examiners in the dissertation examination shall, on the recommendation of the Committee of Examiners and approval of Senate, be allowed to re-do and resubmit the dissertation not less than six months and not more than 12 months from the date of the oral defense. A candidate who fails the dissertation examination after a resubmission shall, on the recommendation of the Committee of Examiners and approval of Senate, be discontinued.
