Following the pandemic, how to continue to lead the profession globally and support our members during those uncertain times became a core priority for FIP in 2023. As we move on from responding directly to COVID-19 to responding to the aftermath and to readying ourselves for future pandemics and health emergencies, FIP sought to derive key lessons, recommendations and considerations for the future in another report, “Pandemic Preparedness, Response and Recovery: Lessons Learnt for Global Pharmacy” which will be launched at the digital event on August 16.

The event moderators are:

• Sherly Meilianti – FIP Data and Intelligence Specialist
• Farah Aqqad – FIP Regional, Enngagement Support and Development Manager
• Nour Eltahla – FIP Projects coordinator for equity, sustainability policy and development, The Netherlands

The event speakers are:

• Lina Bader – FIP Lead for equity, sustainability policy and development, The Netherlands
• Rao Vadlamudi - Immediate Past President, Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA); Professional Secretary, SEARPharm Forum, India
• Jackie Maimin, Chief Executive Officer, Independent Community Pharmacy Association (ICPA); Council member, Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa, South Africa
• Rony Zeenny, Director, Department of Pharmacy, American University of Beirut Medical Centre; INSPECT-LB, Lebanon
• Clare Fitzell, Head of Strategic Policy, Irish Pharmacy Union, Ireland
• Leonor Soares, International Affairs, Portuguese Pharmaceutical Society, Portugal
• Nobuo Yamamoto, President, Japan Pharmaceutical Association, Japan
• Maria Mendes, Area Manager, Public Health Interventions and Pharmacy Services, National Association of Pharmacies, Portugal
• Sofía Segura, University of Costa Rica and College of Pharmacists of Costa Rica, Costa Rica
• Mary Ann Sant Fournier, President, Malta Chamber of Pharmacists, Malta

This special event is held during a week which marks two significant dates for global health. We will have passed the 1000 days since 30 January 2020 when the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak at the time as a Public Health Emergency. The same week will also mark the 4th anniversary since the world, including FIP, came together in Astana in 2018 to endorse the new Declaration of Astana emphasizing the critical role of primary health care. Join us on this special launch event on pandemic preparedness to learn about global pharmacy’s response to COVID-19 and discuss the important of resilient pharmacy and health systems.

Learning objectives:

1. Understand how FIP supported (and continues to support) its members during the pandemic
2. Describe how pharmacy leadership bodies responded to the pandemic across the world
3. Discuss country best practices and lessons for future pandemic preparedness
4. Learn about FIP’s map of primary health care, focusing on strengthening health systems and recovery