Thu 22 May 2025
AdPha welcomes adoption of WHO Pandemic Agreement
Agreement will set in train global preparedness against future pandemics
Advanced Pharmacy Australia (AdPha) today welcomes the adoption of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Pandemic Agreement by the World Health Assembly, hailing it as a pivotal first step in building a stronger, more coordinated global response to future pandemics.
Formally endorsed by the Australian Government through Senator Penny Wong and Minister Mark Butler, the agreement—set for signing in mid-2026—will bolster Australia’s ability to prevent, prepare for, and respond rapidly to future outbreaks, saving lives and safeguarding the economy.
AdPha President Tom Simpson FANZCAP (Lead&Mgmt), attending the Assembly in Geneva as part of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) delegation, said Australia’s commitment to the agreement affirms the critical role of health professionals in shaping a more resilient global health system.
‘It’s a privilege to be here in Geneva contributing to global discussions to help propel healthcare forward.
'This agreement comes at a crucial time. We now have the opportunity to reflect on the lessons from COVID-19 and embed them into how we prepare for the future.’
Reflecting on the pharmacy sector’s role during the pandemic, Mr Simpson said hospital pharmacists faced the crisis head-on, working tirelessly to ensure patients had access to critical care.
‘Our priority was clear - ensure every hospital bed was properly resourced—not just with ventilators, but with essential medicines and the clinical teams needed to deliver care.
‘We established a Hospital Pharmacy Relief Register, rapidly developed resources to support staff navigating the shifting medicine landscape and conducted the national COVID-19 Hospital Pharmacy Capacity Snapshot on a weekly basis.
‘Through these crucial surveys, we understood the strain on drug supply chains very early on, a major vulnerability exposed by the pandemic. Hospitals across the country — regardless of size or location—reported partial or delayed medicine orders. It was a supply chain under immense pressure.
‘That’s why strengthening medicine supply coordination must be a priority under this agreement, aligning supply chain partners with frontline clinicians in pandemic planning.
‘Wholesalers don’t always have visibility into the realities of hospital planning or clinical priorities during a crisis. This agreement can help ensure a more integrated, informed response—so clinicians and suppliers are working together when it matters most.’
Pictured: AdPha President Tom Simpson at this week’s World Health Assembly in Geneva where he attended the Global Pharmaceutical Forum on Medication Supply focusing on pharmaceutical supply chain management in emergency and disasters.