On Saturday, 14 June, the PDA hosted an event for pharmacy students, trainee pharmacists and early career pharmacists with an interest in humanitarian work. This event allowed them to learn about the valuable contributions that pharmacists make in this area and how they might get involved either as a volunteer and/or as a career. Delegates attended from pharmacy schools and areas across the UK, with international delegates being able to join virtually.
This was the latest example of PDA’s activity in the humanitarian space, which began in 2022. In that year, Russia invaded more of Ukraine, and with European colleagues, the PDA helped raise £Millions through the ‘Medicines to Ukraine’ campaign. This allowed pharmacist organisations to procure and deliver through arrangements with charity organisations , medicine supplies which Ukraine needed.
Also, in 2022, the PDA joined the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). The PDA shared the information about their humanitarian efforts at the annual congress in Seville, and they have been working with colleagues from across the world in developing that approach for pharmacists to assist in other conflict/natural disaster zones. The initiatives have become known as ‘Medicines To…’ and FIP-affiliated organisations from across continents have now signed up to support the activity. While pharmacists in many nations may raise the funding, it will be for a lead partner in a nearby country to access the regional supply chain and manage the logistics of delivery of medicines. The latest addition to the broader ‘Medicines To…’ campaign is ‘Medicines to Gaza’.
At the ‘Pharmacists for Humanity’ event a packed programme included presentations from PDA Chairman, Mark Koziol who spoke of his experience of responding to calls for assistance from pharmacists working in Ukraine. Mark shared how he saw firsthand how donations and systems could be improved with support of pharmacists (which led to the development of the ‘Medicines To…’ campaigns) and how working collaboratively with national pharmacy organisations across the World is having a wider impact in demonstrating how pharmacists’ skills can be better utilised to respond to crises wherever they occur.
Jochen Schreeck, of Pharmacists Without Borders, was able to talk about the realities of a mission and working on the frontline as a pharmacist. Osama Zein Al-Abdeen, Abdul Waheed, and Mehdi Chowdhury, of Salam Charity highlighted their organisation’s role in fundraising and turning this into action in the fight against poverty, responding to need in crisis zones including Lebanon and Gaza, as well as other key campaigns and initiatives. All speakers brought to life the realities of working in around the world and the difference that this can make.
The day was expertly Chaired by Ramisa Ahmed, who as a pharmacy student from Portsmouth University was successful in leading a fundraising drive for ‘Medicines to Ukraine’, which resulted in her attending the FIP Congress in Brisbane 2023 as part of the PDA delegation. Ramisa was able to share with delegates how she has become increasingly involved in national and international forums and events, and discussed her growing interest in the humanitarian field, encouraging others to get involved too.
Delegates attending from across the UK were also encouraged to work together in workshops around developing campaigns and a competition was held for the most innovative ideas and creative approaches.
Mark Koziol, PDA Chairman said, “This event continues the PDA’s work in highlighting the value of pharmacists in humanitarian responses and helps to harness the interest that we see in our significant student membership to work either as volunteers or in their careers in this area.
Having experienced at first-hand how public responses to humanitarian crises can be managed, I am aware of what happens when there are well-meaning offers of help and support, but they are uncoordinated and can cause more problems than they solve.
We are committed to furthering the value and impact that pharmacists have in responding to crisis situations wherever they occur and to supporting the dissemination of fundraising initiatives (‘Medicines To…’) to other countries.
It was humbling to hear from colleagues who have worked on deployment and in fundraising and I thank them, as well as our student volunteers and the PDA team for their input. It was invaluable for delegates to hear how they can get involved in humanitarian causes a similar way both at home and overseas.”
Osama Zein Al Abdeen, Programmes and Deployment Coordinator, Salam Charity said, “Pharmacists are more than experts in medicine, they are healers, advocates, and a vital force in humanitarian response. It was an honour to witness the passion and potential of these students as they explored how their skills can bring relief to the most vulnerable. Together, we can turn knowledge into action and compassion into lasting impact, starting with Gaza.”
Karmen Iessa, PDA Student Rep and volunteer said, “Volunteering at the ‘Pharmacists for Humanity’ event was a great way to see the PDA’s values in action, supporting students, highlighting humanitarian efforts, and opening up conversations about the wider impact pharmacists can have. I’m glad to be part of a network that encourages us to think beyond the dispensary and engage with the world around us.”
Finally, Event Chair and PDA Student Rep, Ramisa Ahmed summarised the event by saying, “The PDA’s ‘Pharmacists for Humanity’ conference was an incredibly rewarding experience, both as a member of the organising team and as a speaker. It was a privilege to help shape a platform that brought together passionate people, all committed to exploring and advancing the role of pharmacists in humanitarian settings. Some highlights for me included hearing from Jochen reinforce the importance of collaboration across the global pharmacy community and hearing Mark share his reflection on the Medicines To Ukraine campaign which demonstrated the leadership and impact pharmacists can have in times of crisis, and the responsibility we hold as a profession.
Salam Charity also delivered deeply moving firsthand experiences from their work on the ground and focusing on the need for long-term, sustainable solutions in humanitarian assistance, and it was. The panel discussion chaired by Tasnim Khan, PDA Policy Officer, evidenced the level of engagement from the audience who asked thoughtful questions.
I feel inspired to continue our purposeful mission of advocating the role of pharmacists in humanitarian spaces and continuing to make a difference to communities around the globe together.”
Those interested can look out for more information about upcoming events, competitions and insights from the Pharmacists for Humanity event on the PDA website.
Get involved
- Register your interest to get involved in the ‘Medicines To’ initiative and support ongoing humanitarian work by clicking here.
Learn more
- Medicines to Gaza
- The ‘Medicines To…’ campaign
- Medicines to Ukraine
- PDA joins International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP)
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Membership is FREE to pharmacy students, trainee pharmacists and for the first three months of being newly qualified.
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