The campaign recognises that historically various charity and non-governmental organisations have struggled with supply of medicines, particularly specialised hospital medicines to countries that have been affected by a humanitarian crisis. It also recognises that public donations of medicines sent in boxes to disaster zones usually end up having to be disposed of by rendering themselves unsuitable for human consumption due to the lack of auditable transportation.

Applying pharmacists’ unique expertise

The historical problems associated with medicines being delivered to areas in which there is a humanitarian crisis, represent an opportunity for pharmacists to work collectively in a way that resolves the issues. It enables pharmacists to show the public and the government what it can do in this area. The expertise of pharmacists, their knowledge of medicines and their know how around logistics and procurement enables high quality medicines to be delivered to countries affected. In this way, relief is delivered to the victims of humanitarian crises. The approach used relies on healthcare professionals in the affected country requesting specific medicines that they need but do not have, it enables the campaign to procure the medicines requested and ensures that they receive exactly what they need.

The ‘Medicines To…’ campaign is funded by public donations, which are encouraged via posters displayed in pharmacy windows and elsewhere, in donor countries. It ensures that any donations made are used efficiently and effectively ensuring relief is provided to those that need it most.