Honourable Chair, Distinguished Delegates,

I speak on behalf of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), representing over four million pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, and educators worldwide.

Pharmacists are essential allies in reducing the burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and achieving universal health coverage. FIP urges Member States to integrate pharmacists in national NCD strategies to strengthen prevention, early detection and treatment optimisation. Through people-centred care services, pharmacists make a significant contribution to improving NCD outcomes. Strengthening the role of pharmacists in the prevention and control of NCDs is critical to achieving global health goals and reducing their burden worldwide.

The time to scale up pharmacists' contributions is now.

Thank you.