Attendance an online digital event on Feb. 19, 2025 entitled “Breaking Barriers: Ensuring Equitable Access to Mpox Vaccines”. The event was offered by International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP).

Description: In August 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). The viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus was endemic in certain parts of Central and West Africa. It was crucial to have access to mpox vaccines in the most affected countries during the ongoing outbreak. Effective surveillance systems and regulatory pathways were established for equitable access to the mpox vaccines. Collaborative efforts between governments, healthcare organizations, and policymakers were necessary to create programs that prioritized those at the highest risk and worked toward global health equity.

According to the FIP policy statement, pharmacists played a vital role in ensuring access to essential medicines. However, a significant disparity in the number of pharmacists and pharmacies, their roles, and the structure of healthcare systems between low- and high-income countries represented challenges that needed to be tackled through targeted initiatives. Pharmacists informed governments and healthcare professionals about the barriers to access to medicines and vaccines. While ensuring equitable access, they addressed solutions for the barriers, such as affordability, geographic distribution, and public awareness.

This webinar championed equitable vaccine distribution and educated participants on actionable strategies to address barriers to access. It highlighted 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.