This World Health Day (7 April 2025) placed a spotlight on maternal and child health — offering a timely opportunity to recognise the vital role community pharmacy plays in supporting the wellbeing of mothers, babies and families, and strengthening overall community health.
Community pharmacies are on the frontline of supporting mothers, babies and families in getting the health care they need, and with an increasing number of women presenting to emergency departments, the potential for community pharmacy to provide immediate and preventative care is growing.
“Maternal and child health can be unpredictable,” says Pharmacy Guild National President Professor Trent Twomey, “but whether you’re experiencing your first pregnancy or raising your third child, knowing you’ve got professional care on-call can make all the difference.”
Professor Twomey continued.
“We’re lucky in Australia to have so many pharmacists offering more services than ever before.
“Common issues like uncomplicated UTIs and swimmer’s ear are now just a pharmacy trip away from treatment, saving time and money for busy families.”
Highlighting the need for more accessible reproductive healthcare, Family Planning Alliance Australia CEO Dale Kelleher says the organisation “welcomes any movement to provide healthcare to people closer to their homes, offering real choice in their treatments”.
Customers are encouraged to find pharmacy services close to them by visiting the Find a Pharmacy website.
