Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi has called on pharmacists to take an active role in vaccine manufacturing, highlighting the growing global demand for affordable vaccines and medicines. Speaking at the opening of the first-ever Pharmacists International Federation (FIP) Congress in Cape Town on Monday, Motsoaledi emphasized the critical need for equitable access to healthcare resources.

“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?” Motsoaledi questioned, addressing the challenges faced during the pandemic when vaccine distribution highlighted significant global disparities.

The four-day congress, which is part of the Pharmacy Month commemorative activities, aims to raise awareness of the vital role pharmacists play in community healthcare and improve communication between patients and pharmacists.

Motsoaledi expressed concern over the scarcity of vaccines during global health crises, urging pharmacists to prevent a repeat of the inequities witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic. “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, and it is within our capability to do better.”

Looking ahead, Motsoaledi projected that the next 10 to 15 years could see the world overcoming modern-day infectious diseases like HIV and AIDS, Ebola, Mpox, tuberculosis, and malaria. However, he warned that this success would usher in a new era of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), posing a fresh challenge for the pharmaceutical industry.

“You shall be called again to provide easily accessible and affordable pharmaceuticals to deal with these NCDs, which are already upon us. The question is: are we equal to the job? Shall we rise to the occasion?” Motsoaledi challenged the delegates.

The Minister also addressed the need to tackle health inequities, strengthen health systems, and harness innovation and technology to transform healthcare. He emphasized the importance of sustainable and equitable health financing, viewing healthcare as a public good and a matter of social justice.

Motsoaledi reminded pharmacists of their broader role beyond distribution, highlighting their responsibilities as instructors, patient safety advocates, and key players in public health campaigns. “I call upon every one of you to be agents of change,” he urged.

He further challenged pharmacists to advocate for policies prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable and advancing the pharmacy profession as a force for health equity and quality care.

In closing, Motsoaledi expressed his gratitude to the FIP for hosting the congress in Cape Town and acknowledged the delegates’ 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.”