Joint WHO-FIP statement on the role of pharmacists in tobacco cessation

A The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are urging national tobacco control programmes and pharmacy associations to develop and implement plans to engage more pharmacists in advancing tobacco cessation. A joint statement, issued by the two organisations on World No Tobacco Day 2024, describes a number of ways in which tobacco control programmes and pharmacy associations can work together towards this goal. These include: providing joint leadership in developing policy guidance and resource mobilisation, undertaking training of pharmacists to enable effective delivery of tobacco cessation services, and promoting rational use of proven over-the-counter and prescription tobacco cessation medicines.

The statement calls for pharmacists to adopt a sustainable and synergistic approach to tobacco cessation and nicotine dependence. It also emphasises the need for continuous innovation in enhancing the role of pharmacists to effectively respond to the public health challenges posed by tobacco.