The BESAFE Conference on Public Health Strategies for Combating Substandard and Falsified Drugs brings together regulators, researchers, healthcare professionals, policy advocates, pharmaceutical industry leaders, and public health practitioners from across the globe to share insights, evidence, and strategies to protect patients from poor-quality medicines.

The Call for Contributions is now open for the 2025 Conference on Public Health Strategies for Combating Substandard and Falsified Drugs, hosted by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Washington, D.C.! The BESAFE team welcomes you to be part of this important in-person gathering through oral presentations, flash talks, posters, and special sessions that advance understanding and solutions to address falsified and substandard medical products.

This year's conference focuses on how health systems and providers can respond to substandard and falsified medical products (SFMPs). Through panel and flash sessions, participants will explore emerging SFMP threats, the role of healthcare workers in detecting and reporting poor-quality medical products, and global efforts to strengthen regulation and improve access to safe medicines. In addition, the participants will discuss gaps in provider knowledge and practice and will explore opportunities for curriculum reform to better prepare health workers through education and training. Each day ends with networking and open discussions to foster collaboration across sectors.

Please consider submitting your contribution to join the dialogue and help shape this year's program.

Important dates

Contribution categories

1. Research Paper 
Research papers should present original academic or policy-relevant contributions related to substandard and falsified medical products (SFMP). Selected authors will present their work in person during a themed Flash session at the BESAFE Conference. Accepted papers may be considered for inclusion in the BESAFE Conference proceedings and related publications.

2. Case study

Case Study Reports contribute to the field of medicine quality and public health by providing evidence and evaluation of real-world efforts such as programs, policies, interventions, or technologies, designed to combat SFMPs. Submissions may describe completed work or initiatives still in progress, with a focus on lessons learned and practical implications.

Session Types 

1. Panel session 

Selected authors will be invited to present their work during moderated panel discussions alongside leaders from regulatory agencies, healthcare organizations, and academic institutions. These sessions aim to promote dialogue, highlight cutting-edge evidence, and explore practical solutions for combating SFMP globally. Accepted papers may also be considered for publication in the BESAFE Conference proceedings or related outputs.

2. Flash Presentation

Each selected presenter will deliver a concise 5-minute oral presentation followed by a 45-minute interactive period using Physical or digital poster formats. Flash Sessions are designed to spotlight emerging evidence and foster in-depth conversations with attendees in an informal, high-energy setting. Topics may include provider behavior, digital pharmacy threats, detection tools, public awareness strategies, or patient safety initiatives. Accepted submissions may also be eligible for publication in BESAFE Conference proceedings or future dissemination opportunities.