Since 1950, World Health Day has been
celebrated annually on April 7 to highlight a priority area of concern for
the World Health Organization. World Health Day in 2007 will call attention to
international health security with the theme
“Invest in health, build a safer future:
International Health and Security”
As the most accessible health care professional, pharmacists are in the
perfect position to be of help in times of crisis, disaster and outbreaks,
and should be well prepared to handle all types of emergency situations. From
vaccines to emergency triage to providing counselling on simple sanitation
measures such as hand washing, pharmacists can make an immeasurable
contribution to the health and safety of communities in times of adversity.
As a representative of the world’s pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists,
FIP greatly advocates the pharmacist’s role in crisis management, natural and
manmade disasters, and epidemics and pandemics. Through the FIP Statement of
Professional Standards on the Role of the Pharmacist in Crisis Management:
Including manmade and natural disasters and pandemics, FIP strongly
encourages all Member Organisations – and in turn their Members - to become
aware of their roles and responsibilities in these hazardous situations, and
to ensure that they are adequately trained and prepared to do their part.
Attached with this Press Release you will find the mentioned FIP Statement,
as well as a 2007 World Health Day information flyer on how pharmacists may
best be prepared to make a marked contribution to emergency care situations.
FIP urges all pharmacists to take up the responsibility to be informed, take
action, and share their skills and knowledge.
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