World Pharmacists Day is observed on 25 September through a campaign of the International Pharmaceutical Federation. The date marks the anniversary of FIP’s founding in 1912; the FIP Council adopted the Day in 2009.

The 2026 theme is “Empowering pharmacists for healthier futures” — strengthening skills, recognition and working conditions in response to demographic change, noncommunicable diseases, digitalisation and climate pressures. FIP president Paul Sinclair links the theme to prevention, access to care and the resilience of health systems.

Pharmacists take part in dispensing and the safe use of medicines, counselling, vaccination where the law allows and the monitoring of adverse reactions. Duties differ between countries and across community pharmacy, hospitals, industry and research.

FIP calls on governments, regulators and insurers for supportive policies, investment in education and integration of the profession into health systems. The campaign does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist and does not recommend products.

Since 2020 there has also been World Pharmacy Week, widening the celebration across sectors. FIP visual materials must not be altered and, without permission, must not be used commercially; references to the Day should mention FIP.

Professional bodies, universities and pharmacies announce their own events. The official theme remains that on the FIP page, including in Romanian if the federation publishes a translation.

Image: pharmacists in a community pharmacy, 21 November 2016 / Woonjiawei, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. A professional setting, no patient records; not FIP 2026 campaign artwork. Cropped to 16:9.

Source consulted: World Pharmacists Day | International Pharmaceutical Federation; Pharmacovigilance | World Health Organization.