Unlocking the full potential of pharmacists in the fight against non-communicable diseases

The Commonwealth Pharmacists Association welcomes the zero draft of the political declaration of the 2025 UN high-level meeting on non-communicable diseases (NCDs). We commend its recognition of primary health care, equitable access to medicines, and workforce strengthening as central aspects of the global NCD response. This moment presents an unprecedented opportunity to unlock the full, underutilised potential of pharmacists in the prevention, early detection, and management of NCDs. Recognised by WHO and the International Pharmaceutical Federation as trusted and accessible health-care professionals, pharmacists are crucial in improving health outcomes, particularly with regards to NCDs.