The key areas of development deemed necessary in pharmacy to prepare for future pandemics have been identified and outlined in a new report by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP).
Bringing together the experiences of the Covid-19 pandemic from 10 countries across the world, including 11 case studies, FIP sought to derive key lessons, recommendations and considerations for future pandemic preparedness, response and recovery.
The report serves as a ‘critical resource to empower pharmacists with knowledge and guidance, ensuring they are at the forefront of safeguarding public health and bolstering global pandemic preparedness efforts’, FIP said.
A total of six areas for development were identified: learning from country leadership, enabling system transformation, investing in science and innovation, reshaping pharmaceutical practice, accelerating universal health coverage, and transforming the workforce and its education.
The report is accompanied by a digital supplement, which collates additional key resources from the global health community, other health professions and key research outputs, and will be regularly updated as further evidence and analysis comes to light.
Commenting on the report, Catherine Duggan, FIP CEO, said: ‘As frontline healthcare professionals, pharmacists played a vital role in pandemic response efforts, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to patient care and public health. This report seeks to outline the valuable lessons learned from the challenges posed by Covid-19 and aims to provide pharmacists worldwide with essential insights for enhancing future pandemic preparedness, response and delivery.’
She added: ‘FIP continues to play a pivotal role in advancing the pharmacy profession and promoting global health. We are committed to providing pharmacists with timely and relevant information to navigate the evolving landscape of healthcare challenges, including pandemics, so that they can continue to be at the forefront of safeguarding public health.’
