EPhEU at the 78th World Health Assembly: Strengthening the Role of Pharmacists in Global Health

EPhEU at the 78th World Health Assembly: Strengthening the Role of Pharmacists in Global Health

EPhEU proudly participated in the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) in Geneva as an official FIP delegate, actively engaging in key discussions on the future of healthcare and the evolving role of pharmacists.

Our delegates – Andreas May, Norbert Valecka, and Katarina Fehir Šola – took part in several high-level events. They contributed to the side events “Digital Health Without Borders” (signing the Geneva Declaration of Responsibility) and “Empowering Self-Care: Digital Innovations for NCD Prevention & Management”, highlighting the pharmacist's role in supporting people-centred care and chronic disease management.

They also contributed to the FIP side event “Pharmacists and Pharmacy—Evidence-Based Solutions to Global Threats” in collaboration with IFRC, where experts addressed antimicrobial resistance (AMR), climate resilience, access to medicines, vaccination across the life course, and pharmacists' growing responsibility in managing non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

A significant highlight of the visit was a working meeting between EPhEU and FIP leadership, including FIP President Paul Sinclair and CEO Catherine Duggan. The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the two organisations, with the shared vision of empowering employed community pharmacists. It concluded with clear and actionable goals for advancing the profession.

EPhEU remains committed to ensuring pharmacists' voices are heard in global health policymaking and continues to advocate for their essential role in building resilient, accessible, and sustainable healthcare systems.