Pharmaceutical care and public health in Egypt

Independence

Trip price

Trip duration

MPharm students that will be in their third or fourth year of study are eligible to participate on this opportunity. There is a maximum of 20 places available, with a minimum of 15 participants required for this opportunity to take place. Students are recommended to check the eligibility criteria before applying.

Trip description

This trip will give students an opportunity to see clinical pharmacy practice in Egypt and also how antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is being delivered within hospitals by pharmacists, in light of their differing microbiological and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) epidemiology and access to antibiotics. It will also give students the opportunity to see the differences in state funded and private/charitable funded healthcare.

One of the key visits will be to the Cairo offices of the World Health Organization (WHO), where students will engage with both the Egypt WHO team and the East Mediterranean Regional Office. This visit will provide an in-depth understanding of WHO’s role in promoting pharmaceutical public health, managing infectious diseases, and addressing AMR and AMS on both regional and global scales. Students will also explore the WHO’s activities in the UK, enabling them to compare approaches to AMR and AMS across different healthcare systems and cultural contexts.

Another significant component of the trip is a visit to the Children’s Cancer Hospital Foundation in Egypt. Here, students will shadow clinical pharmacists working on pediatric wards, observing the delivery of care to children, including those undergoing cancer treatment. This experience will deepen their understanding of the structure and funding of healthcare services, the supply and management of medicines, and the broader impact of AMR and AMS on patients, families, and healthcare providers. It will also offer a compassionate lens into the challenges faced by vulnerable populations in accessing effective treatment.

Finally, students will visit a Faculty of Pharmacy at a local university to learn about pharmacy education and professional practice in Egypt. This academic exchange will encourage reflection on the differences and similarities with pharmacy training in the UK, fostering opportunities for collaborative learning and knowledge sharing. Through discussions with faculty and students, participants will gain a broader perspective on global pharmacy education and its role in shaping future healthcare professionals.

Learning objectives

This trip will give students an opportunity to see clinical pharmacy practice in Egypt and also how antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is being delivered within hospitals and by pharmacists, in light of their differing microbiological and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) epidemiology and access to antibiotics. It will also give students the opportunity to see the differences in state funded and private/charitable funded healthcare. By participating in this opportunity students will be able to:

Skill development

This opportunity has been designed to help develop the following DMU Graduate Attributes:

Collaboration

Communication & Networking

Critical Thinking

Organisational skills

Cultural activities

Students will have the opportunity to deeply immerse themselves in the rich history and vibrant culture of Egypt. A visit to the iconic Great Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx is essential, especially with the addition of the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum, which offers a modern gateway into ancient wonders.

Beyond these landmarks, Egypt presents a wealth of experiences: the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization showcases the largest collection of mummies and guides visitors through eras ranging from prehistoric times and Ancient Egypt to the Greco-Roman, Islamic, and modern periods. Students can enjoy a serene felucca ride along the Nile, offering a unique perspective of the river that has shaped Egypt’s story. The Cave Church in the Moqattam Mountain, built in the 10th century, remains a powerful spiritual and historical site. On Zamalek Island, Cairo’s trendiest neighbourhoods and art district await, where ascending the Cairo Tower reveals panoramic views of the bustling city. Exploring Islamic Cairo and the City of the Dead unveils some of the city’s most impressive mosques and vibrant bazaars. All of this, combined with the dynamic energy of Cairo, ensures students will experience everything a thriving metropolis has to offer.