FIP2026: CPhA signs global declaration recognizing pharmacists' role in preventing and managing chronic disease

September 2026

The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) has signed the FIP Montreal Declaration on Non-Communicable Diseases, adding Canada’s voice to a global call for pharmacists to be fully integrated into the prevention, treatment and long-term management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

The declaration was launched on August 31 during the FIP World Congress in Montréal. CPhA Chair Deb Saltmarche joined FIP President Paul Sinclair on stage during a Congress plenary session to co-sign the declaration.

CPhA Chair Deb Saltmarche signs the FIP Montreal Declaration on Non-Communicable Diseases alongside FIP President Paul Sinclair at FIP Congress 2026.

NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases, represent a significant and growing challenge for health systems around the world. The declaration recognizes pharmacists as essential primary health-care providers and calls on governments and health systems to better use their expertise across the continuum of care.

This includes enabling pharmacists to contribute to prevention and health promotion, screening and early detection, chronic disease management, vaccination, medicines optimization and continuity of care.

The declaration also identifies a number of conditions needed to support pharmacists in this role, including appropriate funding and remuneration, workforce development, access to digital health information, interprofessional collaboration and equitable access to pharmacy services.

By signing the Montreal Declaration, CPhA is reinforcing its support for policies that enable pharmacists to practise to their full scope and help improve access, equity and health outcomes for patients and communities.

Representatives from FIP Member Organisations gather on stage in Montréal to show their support for the FIP Montreal Declaration on Non-Communicable Diseases.

The Montreal Declaration builds on FIP’s global advocacy work and follows the Copenhagen Declaration on Antimicrobial Resistance launched in 2025. FIP and its member organisations will now work to support implementation of the NCD declaration at the national level and share examples and outcomes from pharmacy services around the world.

Read the FIP Montreal Declaration on Non-Communicable Diseases.