By Mpho Moloi
Department of Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has called upon pharmacists to take an active role in the manufacturing of vaccines, highlighting the critical need for affordable and accessible medicines as the world continues to grapple with a growing trend of infectious diseases. Speaking at the opening of the first-ever Pharmacists International Federation (FIP) Congress in Cape Town, Motsoaledi underscored the urgency of this challenge, especially in light of recent global health crises.
Pharmacists’ Role in Global Health
During his keynote address at the congress, Motsoaledi emphasized the pivotal role that pharmacists play in the healthcare sector, not just as dispensers of medication, but as vital contributors to public health initiatives. He called on pharmacists to harness their expertise in vaccine manufacturing to ensure that developing countries are not left behind in future global health emergencies. Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, he questioned whether the global community had learned from the inequities witnessed during the crisis, where wealthier nations hoarded vaccines, leaving developing nations to fend for themselves.
A Vision for the Future
Motsoaledi shared his optimistic vision that, within the next 10 to 15 years, humanity could potentially defeat modern-day infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Ebola, Mpox, tuberculosis, and malaria. However, he cautioned that this victory would usher in an era dominated by non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and heart disease. He stressed that pharmacists would once again be called upon to provide accessible and affordable solutions to these emerging health challenges.
Addressing Health Inequities
A key theme in Motsoaledi’s speech was the need to address health inequities globally. He called for urgent strengthening of health systems, particularly in developing countries, to ensure they are resilient enough to handle both infectious diseases and NCDs. He urged pharmacists to advocate for policies that prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable populations, ensuring that health systems are not only of high quality but also equitable and inclusive.
Innovation and Technology in Health Systems
Motsoaledi also highlighted the importance of innovation and technology in transforming health systems. He called on pharmacists to embrace these tools to improve healthcare delivery and to ensure that all communities, regardless of their economic status, have access to the medicines and vaccines they need. He pointed out that pharmacists are in a unique position to lead these changes, given their expertise and the trust they hold within their communities.
The Call to Action
In closing, Motsoaledi expressed his gratitude to the FIP for choosing Cape Town as the venue for this historic congress and commended the delegates for their commitment to improving healthcare. He issued a challenge to all attendees to use this congress as a platform to forge innovative solutions and partnerships that will shape the future of health care, particularly in the realm of vaccine production and distribution.
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