Dear Delegates, Colleagues, Partners,
 
On behalf of GRV Global, and as Chairman/Moderator of this important event, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to Pharma Logistics Africa (PLA2019) here in Nairobi, Kenya. I want to thank the organizing committee for their hard work in pulling the 2019 event together.
 
Access to affordable quality essential medicines including those for the treatment of HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and various neglected tropical diseases is a high priority National interest in all African Countries and to achieve Agenda 2063 outcomes. One of the key goals of the Agenda 2063 is to alleviate poverty and disease as well as improving healthcare infrastructure. The high acute disease prevalence rates experienced in all the countries is driving the market for primary healthcare and diagnostic products. To have access to medicines including vaccines requires building and strengthening the capacity to manufacture and supply of affordable, high-quality generic essential medicines and using efficient technologies which can significantly contribute to overall achieving public health objectives.
 
PLA2019 presents a valuable backdrop for discussions, panels, innovations and networking that will provide new opportunities for partnerships and new ideas that will help us to further our efforts to strengthen and secure the access of medicines, vaccines and related health commodities. The event's revered format of high-level plenary sessions, focused exhibition, 1-2-1 matchmaking meetings and various social functions will provide something for everyone resulting in stronger networks and platforms for regional and international cooperation.
 
Dr. Shital Mahindra Maru (B.Pharm, M.Pharm, MBA, PhD)
Senior Lecturer & Chair of the Department of Pharmaceuticals & Pharmacy Practice
School of Pharmacy, University of Nairobi