In August 2024, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). The viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus is endemic in certain parts of Central and West Africa. It is crucial to have access to mpox vaccines in the most affected countries during the ongoing outbreak. Effective surveillance systems and regulatory pathways should be established for equitable access to the mpox vaccines. Collaborative efforts between governments, healthcare organizations, and policy makers are necessary to create programs that prioritize those at highest risk and work toward global health equity. According to the FIP policy statement, pharmacists play a vital role in ensuring access to essential medicines, but a significant disparity in the number of pharmacists and pharmacies, their roles, and the structure of healthcare systems between low- and high-income countries represent challenges that need to be tackled through targeted initiatives. Pharmacist can inform the governments and health care professionals on the barriers to access to medicines and vaccines. While ensuring equitable access, they can address the solutions for the barriers such as affordability, geographic distribution, and public awareness. This webinar aims to champion equitable vaccine distribution, educate participants on actionable strategies to address barriers to access. It highlights the critical role of pharmacists in public health advocacy and community support.

Chair:

- Lars-Åke Söderlund, FIP Vice President, International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), Sweden

Panellists:

- Sham Moodley, Pharmacist, Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa (PSSA), Independent Community Pharmacy Assoc (ICPA), Research Fellow (UK), South Africa

- Maria D Allinson, Head of Pharmacy Practice, Sheffield University, UK

- Philippe Mukumbayi, Assistant Lecturer, University of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Health behavior theories and models are commonly used to organize and describe factors related to education, advocacy, and policy. Understanding these factors can aid in effective change management. Numerous examples exist of how theories and models have previously been used, including in implementing immunization services. This webinar will describe the theories and models and highlight their importance. It will also provide examples of their use and discuss common methods of linking theory to policy and practice change.

Panellists/speakers/co-moderators:

- Barry Bleidt, Adjunct Professor, Florida A&M University, College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, USA

- Jeanine P. Abrons, Co-Director UI Mobile Clinic; Clinical Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Iowa - Carver College of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine and College of Pharmacy; University of Technology Jamaica, USA; Jamaica; Dominica

- Hoai-An Truong, Professor and Director of Public Health, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, USA

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection, affecting both men and women. It is linked to various cancers, including cervical, anal, oropharyngeal, penile, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. The HPV vaccine is a crucial tool in preventing these cancers and other HPV-related diseases. This digital event aims to highlight the importance of the HPV vaccine, focusing on its safety and efficacy, and strategies to address common misconceptions. It will also highlight practical tools that pharmacists can use to enhance patient education and increase vaccine uptake, contributing to increased awareness around HPV and the global effort to reduce HPV-related diseases and cancers.

Moderator - Hannelie Meyer, Professor in the School of Pharmacy and Head of the South African Vaccination and Immunisation Centre (SAVIC), Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, South Africa

Co-moderator - Hanadi Alolimi, UNITWIN and Provision Coordinator, FIP, Netherlands

Panellists:

- Oluchukwu M. Ezeala, PhD student/Research Assistant, Department of Health Outcomes Research and Policy, Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy, USA

- Rawan Bajis, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Trainee, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG), Australia

The International Primary Care Respiratory Group (IPCRG) is delighted to invite you to support our 8th Scientific Meeting in Brașov, Romania, on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th April 2025.

The IPCRG promises a high quality and engaging scientific programme focused on new respiratory research and developments relevant to primary health care. It will give the opportunity for senior researchers, leaders, innovators and early career researchers to exchange knowledge and ideas. It also provides industry colleagues with the chance to present their own research and showcase the products relevant to our audience.

17^th Congress of the European Association for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics EACPT2025 will be held in Helsinki, Finland, in 28 June – 1 July, 2025. Within the congress theme, “Embracing Innovations for Optimized Patient Care,” the scientific program offers a cutting-edge exploration of clinical pharmacology and therapeutics, the latest in the research and drug development arena and an update of recent advances and emerging developments within therapeutics. Moreover, there will be ample opportunities for scientific discussions and networking during the poster and refreshment breaks, and various social events after the congress days. Please visit our congress website for more information. Note! Abstract submission deadline is on 20 February. 

Important dates

• Abstract submissions for oral presentations, posters and workshops open: August 2024
• Early bird registration opens: October 2024

The MyDispense Symposium will take place from 13th to 16th July 2025 at the Monash Prato Centre, Italy, marking the 15th anniversary of the MyDispense programme. This event will introduce MyDispense version 8.0, incorporating features such as Medication Administration Records (MAR), Pharmacist Independent Prescribing, and diagnostic tools for pharmacists. The upgrade also includes enhancements to ePharmacy workflows and patient avatars to improve the realism of training exercises.