Exemplary community pharmacy initiatives that empower people to take greater control of their health will be recognised through a new FIP self-care award, launched by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) on World Pharmacists Day, under the theme “Empowering pharmacists for healthier futures.”
“Self-care is one of the ways the pharmacy profession can empower communities for healthier futures. Through this new award, we want to shine a light on the innovative work taking place in community pharmacies around the world and recognise initiatives that are making a measurable difference to people’s knowledge, confidence and ability to manage their health,” said FIP chief executive officer Dr Catherine Duggan.
The award will be presented for the first time at the 85th FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, under the theme ‘Bridging worlds: Global knowledge, local realities and better care.’ The 2027 congress will also provide an opportunity for FIP to launch The FIP Kuala Lumpur Declaration on self-care, discuss progress on the World Health Organization-FIP guidelines on self-care, and highlight global efforts to embed pharmacy as a key contributor to universal health coverage through primary health care.
This award will focus on community pharmacy initiatives across areas including respiratory health, seasonal allergies, digestive wellness, pain management, prevention and wellbeing. Initiatives will be expected to demonstrate measurable impact in strengthening health literacy, building confidence, and enabling patients and the public to make informed healthcare decisions.
Opella is providing unconditional funding for the award.
“Trusted self-care begins with clarity at the counter. Every day, community pharmacists help people navigate health decisions with confidence by providing trusted, evidence-based guidance,” said Dr Josephine Fubara, chief science officer at Opella. “We are proud to support FIP in recognising initiatives that spark confident conversations and empower better self-care.”
Further details, including the official name and award criteria, will be announced in the coming months, with expressions of interest expected to open soon thereafter.
Community pharmacies are encouraged to begin identifying and documenting initiatives, outcomes and learnings that demonstrate the impact pharmacists can have in strengthening self-care, health literacy, and informed decision-making.
