Kathmandu, Nepal | 19–21 November 2026
The ISIUM Conference 2026 will bring together researchers, policy makers, health professionals, educators and advocates from around the world to share experiences, discuss challenges and explore practical strategies to improve the quality use of medicines.
Conference overview
Objectives
The conference aims to:
- Share progress and challenges in improving the use of medicines.
- Identify priority areas and opportunities for collaboration.
- Explore how ISIUM and its partners can continue to promote quality use of medicines globally.
Key themes
- Digital technologies for improving medicine use.
- Methodologies to investigate quality use of medicines.
- Policies and programs that support better use of medicines.
Key strategies
Discussions will explore a range of approaches to improving medicine use, including evidence-based guidelines, patient education and adherence, digital technologies, affordability and access, research and evaluation methods, and international collaboration.
The conference will provide opportunities to present work, learn from international experts, build professional networks and contribute to practical solutions for improving the quality use of medicines worldwide.
Publishing accepted abstracts
ISIUM is pleased to announce that accepted abstracts will be published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice (formerly known as Southern Med Review). JPPP “is an Open Access peer-reviewed journal that provides a platform for researchers to disseminate empirical research findings with the aim that people everywhere have access to the medicines they need and be able to use them rationally.” For more details on the journal’s aims and scope please visit https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/jppp20/about-this-journal#aims-and-scope
Registration
Registrations are now open.
Conference fees are based on ISIUM membership status and the World Bank income classification of the country from which you derive your income.
Optional workshops are also available during the conference. These can be selected as part of the registration process.
Nepal travel, visa and accommodation
Information about accommodation options, travel arrangements and local information for delegates is available on our accommodation page.
Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Make the most of your visit to Nepal with our guide to Kathmandu’s key sights, experiences and day trips.
Sponsorship opportunities
ISIUM is offering a limited number of sponsorships to support attendance by members from low- and lower-middle-income countries.
*Please note: sponsorship applications are now closed.
Conference program
Summary of Conference program, please check this page regularly for updates.
Thursday 19 November 2026
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09:00-10:15 |
Workshop 1 How do we strengthen measurement of quality use of medicines (study design and indicators) – Kathleen Hollaway |
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10:15 – 10:45 |
MORNING TEA |
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10:45 – 12:30 |
Workshop 2 |
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12.30 – 14.00 |
LUNCH |
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14:00 – 15:30 |
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION |
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15.30 – 16.00 |
AFTERNOON TEA |
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16:00 – 17:15 |
Theme: Working sessions will be a mix of short presentations/discussions and hand-on workshops |
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Working Session #1: Implementation of policies to improve the use of medicines |
Working Session #2: Methodologies to investigate quality use of medicines |
Working Session #3: Interactive Workshop |
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17:30 |
Welcome networking reception and posters |
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Friday 20 November 2026
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08:45 – 09:00 |
Summary of key messages from Day 1 |
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09:00-10:30 |
Keynote Address: Digital Technology for improving Use of Medicines Panel session: Digital Technology for improving Use of Medicines |
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10:30 – 11:00 |
MORNING TEA |
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11:00 – 12:00 |
Working Sessions Working sessions will be a mix of short presentations/discussions and hand-on workshops |
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Working Session #1: Digital Tools |
Working Session #2: Implementation of policies to improve the use of medicines |
Working Session #3 – Interactive Workshop |
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12.00 – 13.00 |
LUNCH |
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13:00 – 14:30 |
Keynote address: Methodologies to investigate quality use of medicines Panel discussion: Methodologies to investigate quality use of medicines |
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14:30 – 16:30 |
AFTERNOON TEA & POSTER SESSION |
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18:00 |
Conference Dinner (TBC) |
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Saturday 21 November 2026
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08:45 – 09:00 |
Summary of key messages from Day 2 |
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09:00 – 10:00 |
Theme: Working sessions will be a mix of short presentations/discussions and hand-on workshops |
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Working Session #1: Implementation of policies to improve the use of medicines |
Working Session #2: Methodologies to investigate quality use of medicines |
Working Session #3 |
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10:00 – 10:30 |
MORNING TEA |
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10:30 – 11:30 |
Plenary: Implementation of policies to improve the use of medicines |
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11.30 – 12:00 |
Summary of Recommendations from Concurrent Workshops and discussion |
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12:00 – 12:30 |
Wrap and farewell |
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12:30– 13:30 |
LUNCH |
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Site visits and tours (TBC) |
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Please check this page regularly for updates.