WORLD Health Day yesterday kicked off a year-long campaign on maternal and child health, with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia recognising the role of community pharmacists in supporting families to get the healthcare they need.
Titled 'Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures', the World Health Organization's campaign will urge governments and the health community to ramp up efforts to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths, and prioritise women's longer-term health and wellbeing.
With more and more women presenting to emergency departments after being unable to see a GP, the potential for community pharmacies to provide immediate and preventative care is growing, said the Guild.
"Maternal and child health can be unpredictable, but whether you're experiencing your first pregnancy or raising your third child, knowing you've got professional care on-call can make all the difference," Guild President Trent Twomey said.
"Common issues like uncomplicated UTIs and swimmer's ear are now just a pharmacy trip away from treatment, saving time and money for busy families," he added.
And with pharmacists' increased role in oral contraceptive supply, Family Planning Alliance Australia CEO Daile Kelleher emphasised the importance of making reproductive healthcare more accessible.
"Across the world, women, girls and other priority populations experience restricted or no access to information and services about their reproductive health and rights," Kelleher said.
"Family Planning Alliance Australia welcomes any movement to provide healthcare to people closer to their homes and community, and offer real choice in their treatments." KB
More on World Health Day HERE.
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