LONDON, Sept 6: The Kuwait Pharmaceutical Association (KUPFA) has signed the Copenhagen Declaration on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), committing to global collaboration and financial backing to combat the growing threat of drug-resistant infections.

The signing occurred on the sidelines of the 83rd World Congress of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), which concluded recently in the Danish capital. Themed “Advancing Pharmacy: Performance, Collaboration, and Health Transformation,” the congress focused on the evolving role of pharmacists in modern healthcare, with a particular emphasis on tackling AMR.

KUPFA Board Member Dr. Bader Al-Khurainj confirmed the association's endorsement of the declaration during a general session titled “Working Together for One Health: Enhancing Global Cooperation to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance.” The declaration highlights strategic actions including international partnerships, promoting vaccinations, rational antibiotic use, securing pharmaceutical supply chains, and strengthening the evidence base for healthcare governance and outcomes.

Dr. Al-Khereinj, a member of the FIP Supreme Council, said the congress also voted on key professional policies and leadership roles. Dr. Nadia Al-Mazrouei of the United Arab Emirates was elected Vice President of the FIP Supreme Council, narrowly surpassing candidates from India and the United States, and receiving broad support from Gulf, Arab, and regional associations.

Approved policies at the congress included leveraging artificial intelligence in pharmacy practice, enhancing self-care initiatives, adopting human-centered care approaches, and expanding pharmacists' roles in combating non-communicable diseases and promoting public health.

A delegation from KUPFA, including Treasurer Walaa Marafi and senior pharmacists, toured several community pharmacies in Copenhagen. The visits aimed to explore Denmark’s pharmacy model, which integrates tightly with the national healthcare system and includes services such as immunizations, pharmaceutical consultations, and pre-filled dose preparation. The team also reviewed Denmark’s rigorous pharmacy licensing protocols.

KUPFA’s participation extended to the International Sports Pharmacy Symposium, held alongside the congress, where representatives from the International Olympic Committee and anti-doping organizations discussed the pharmacist’s role in sport. The event addressed awareness efforts around performance-enhancing drugs and explored international training programs to support Kuwaiti pharmacists working in this field.

Speaking separately, KUPFA Secretary General Dr. Faisal Al-Enezi emphasized the association’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with international pharmaceutical bodies. He highlighted ongoing efforts to support the Student Club and the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation, aiming to prepare future leaders through mentoring, training, and experience-sharing initiatives.

“These efforts not only represent Kuwait internationally but also open new avenues for collaboration with global organizations, enhancing the country’s pharmaceutical profile,” Al-Enezi said.

KUPFA also held preliminary talks with several professional bodies, including the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, the Board of Pharmacy Specialties, and regional FIP forums. These discussions focused on aligning Kuwait’s pharmaceutical policies and services with global best practices.