PDA now significantly involved in medicines related humanitarian projects

The PDA joined the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) in 2022, gaining access to over 150 global pharmacy organizations and enabling it to promote its 'Medicines To' campaign at WHO meetings in Geneva

The Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) has emerged as a key player in international humanitarian efforts, delivering millions of pounds worth of medical aid to disaster-hit regions.

This marks a significant evolution for the PDA, which has embraced a leadership role in global relief initiatives.

The PDA, a member of the Employed Pharmacists of Europe (EPhEU), responded to an urgent appeal from its Ukrainian members following the extensive damage to Ukraine's healthcare infrastructure during the military invasion.

As the elected Secretary General of EPhEU, PDA Chairman Mark Koziol orchestrated a campaign encouraging public donations through 'Medicines to Ukraine' posters displayed in pharmacies across Europe.

The campaign successfully raised over £4.5 million, which was used to procure and deliver essential medicines directly to Ukrainian Ministry of Health pharmacists.

Koziol's visit to Ukraine underscored the campaign's impact.

The initiative's efficiency was attributed to its pull system, responding to specific requests from the ground, in contrast to the traditional push model of sending surplus medicines.

This targeted approach ensured that the right medicines reached those in need.

Inspired by this success, the PDA sought to expand its humanitarian efforts globally.

In 2022, the PDA joined the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), gaining access to a global network of over 150 pharmacy organisations.

This strategic move allowed the PDA to share its 'Medicines To' campaign ambitions at World Health Organisation (WHO) meetings in Geneva.

Koziol emphasised the importance of local knowledge and partnerships in implementing the 'Medicines To' model worldwide.

“It is apparent that there are many parts of the world where this kind of support is needed right now, as well as understanding the need to anticipate what may happen in the future and how to be able to respond promptly.

"The ‘Medicines To’ model can be set up essentially anywhere, but it needs local network knowledge and partnership working ; it also needs a central co-ordinating facility,” said the PDA’s chair Mark Koziol.

“My ambition is that if we do well in building this scheme, then in 15 years’ time if there is a humanitarian crisis in any part of the world, the governments and the global relief organisations will all say – as far as delivering the medicines is concerned – then that’s a job for the pharmacists,” he continued

At the PDA's first FIP congress in Brisbane in 2023, the 'Medicines To' campaign received unanimous support from the FIP Council.

South African pharmacy leaders committed to launching the campaign in Africa, the region with the highest number of humanitarian crises per capita.

During the emotional signing ceremony, FIP Vice President Lars Ake Soderlund praised the PDA for accelerating FIP's humanitarian efforts since joining the federation.

The PDA's leadership in these humanitarian projects highlights the crucial role of pharmacists in global health crises and showcases the power of international collaboration in delivering essential medical aid.