The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) has said it is delighted to support the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Catch-up Immunisation Campaign in the Gaza Strip, as announced recently. The FIP said it regrets all global conflicts and the impact on innocent civilians, but also on pharmacists, healthcare professionals and aid workers.
The two-year-long conflict in the region severely interrupted the provision of routine and life-course healthcare services to patients of all ages, especially children. According to their press release, one-in-five children under three years of age is estimated to have missed all or some vaccinations because of the conflict, putting them at risk of vaccine- preventable disease outbreaks.
Immunisation against vaccine- preventable diseases reduces morbidity and mortality and contributes to herd immunity. Pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare professionals and present in all communities, and therefore, are ideally placed to deliver vaccination services and play a pivotal role in advancing global immunisation endeavours. Since 2016, FIP has intentionally focused its efforts on pharmacy-based vaccination to address communicable diseases and promote overall health and disease prevention. During this time, FIP delivered numerous resources, including the publication of reports, advocacy approaches and toolkits, survey data and results, handbooks, and reference guides, issued calls to action, and presented digital events and CPD Bites. In 2023, FIP released a Statement of Policy on the role of pharmacy in life-course vaccination, emphasising the importance of expanding vaccination schedules and strategies beyond traditional role players, integrating pharmacists into patient immunisation pathways.
“FIP’s stance on pharmacists’ role in vaccination does not deviate during times of crises or conflict,”
said FIP CEO Dr Catherine Duggan. “Pharmacists continue to play a critical role in the management of the supply chain for medicines and vaccinations, even during conflict. Not only do pharmacists ensure the responsible use of medicines, but they also support patients with information and help avert uncertainty in these situations.” In addition, pharmacists work together with other healthcare professionals and community members to establish trust and provide the best available care to those who need it.
FIP supports the ongoing efforts by the WHO through the FIP HumanitarianRx programme, which supports colleagues in the region. Ways to support medicine, vaccines and medical supplies to
Gaza can be made through supportive humanitarian charities in South Africa or the UK and are led by Pharmacists Without Borders.
