Minister Motsoaledi Urges Pharmacists to Lead in Vaccine Manufacturing

Speaking at the opening of the first-ever Pharmacists International Federation (FIP) Congress in Cape Town on Monday, the Minister emphasized the urgent need for affordable vaccines and medicines.

Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi has called on pharmacists to take an active role in vaccine manufacturing as the world faces an increasing prevalence of infectious diseases. Speaking at the opening of the first-ever Pharmacists International Federation (FIP) Congress in Cape Town on Monday, the Minister emphasized the urgent need for affordable vaccines and medicines.

"The world is seriously crying for vaccines and medicines—affordable ones for that matter. Should we be squabbling with each other like we did during COVID-19?" the Minister questioned, urging the global community to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past.

The four-day congress, which began on Sunday, is part of Pharmacy Month commemorative activities aimed at highlighting the crucial role pharmacists play in community healthcare and improving communication between patients and pharmacy professionals.

Motsoaledi underscored the importance of equitable vaccine distribution, warning against the developed world hoarding vaccines and leaving developing countries behind. "When the need arises for all humanity to be vaccinated, should the vaccines be so scarce that the developed world starts hoarding them for themselves, leaving the still developing world on their own? Surely, we can do better than this," he told the delegates.

Looking ahead, the Minister expressed confidence that infectious diseases like HIV, Ebola, Mpox, tuberculosis, and malaria will be defeated within the next 10 to 15 years. However, he cautioned that a new era of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is emerging, and pharmacists will need to ensure accessible and affordable treatments for these conditions.

Motsoaledi also highlighted the urgent need to address global health inequities, strengthen health systems, and harness innovation and technology for transformative change. He stressed the importance of investing in sustainable and equitable health financing, viewing healthcare as a public good and a matter of social justice.

"As pharmacists, we are not just distributors but also serve as instructors, patient safety advocates, and key participants in public health campaigns," the Minister said, calling on pharmacists to be agents of change.

He challenged the pharmacy profession to ensure that health systems are not only of high quality but also equitable and inclusive. "This is a call to advocate for policies that prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable and to advance the pharmacy profession as a driving force for health equity and quality care."

Motsoaledi concluded by expressing gratitude to the FIP for hosting the congress in Cape Town and to the delegates for their commitment to improving healthcare through the pharmacy profession. "We hope that your decisions over the next few days will shape the future of health. I wish you all a productive and inspiring experience at the congress, and I look forward to seeing the innovative solutions and partnerships that will emerge from our time together."