Pharmacists and pharmacy teams across the globe celebrated World Pharmacists Day 2015 on Friday September 25.

Now in its fifth year, the day was established by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), the global federation of national associations of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists, to encourage activities that recognise and promote the role of pharmacists in improving health in every corner of the world.

September 25 was chosen by the FIP Council at the 2009 World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Istanbul because it is the date that FIP was founded in 1912.

This year’s theme is 'Pharmacists: your partners in health'.

FIP member organisations from around the world have organised a variety of events to mark the day, from a multidisciplinary symposium on therapeutic adherence in Belgium to poster and video making contests, as well as Zumba fitness classes, in the Philippines.

FIP’s member organisation in India is launching a nationwide competition to find out how pharmacists have used their knowledge and expertise to improve the health of their paitents. Member organisations in other countries will be celebrating World Pharmacists Day with rallies and lectures.

“Partnership is essential to the responsible use of medicine. Every day we act as partners with patients, other healthcare professionals and scientists, and policymakers, with the shared vision of better health. World Pharmacists Day is an opportunity to promote the valuable role we play in bringing about great health for all,” said FIP President Dr Carmen Peña.

FIP will be compiling a 2015 World Pharmacists Day album and is inviting pharmacists to send in images of their activities so that they can be shared with colleagues around the world. A selection of the pictures will be showcased at the FIP World Congress next week in Düsseldorf. Pictures and captions can be sent to press@fip.org