“Pharmacists: Meeting global health needs”
World Pharmacists Day, organized by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), a WHO partner, is a day to recognize and celebrate the crucial role that pharmacists play in building healthier communities everywhere.
Pharmacists are integral to our health-care systems, often being the first point of contact for health advice and primary health care, as well as addressing the health needs of our populations in many varied ways, including:
- ensuring access to and providing guidance on essential medicines and medical devices, including diagnostic tests and assistive products;
- providing expertise for patient care and public health;
- promoting disease prevention, such as by administering vaccines, conducting health screening, educating patients, and helping to improve health literacy;
- supporting public health campaigns;
- participating in the research and development of new medicines;
- leading in pharmacovigilance, for instance, ensuring the safety and efficacy of antibiotics and other medicines;
- implementing greener ways of working and addressing the impacts of environmental factors on health;
- advocating for policy changes that promote better health outcomes; and
- as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacists are at the forefront of addressing regional and global health crises.
World Pneumonia Day is annually held on November 12 to raise awareness of pneumonia, promote prevention and treatment, and generate action to fight the illness.