National Pharmacy Associations in the Commonwealth Pharmacist Association: current and future need to maximise the effective contributions of the pharmacy development

This study aimed to explore the priorities and focus areas of National Pharmacy Associations (NPAs) across the Commonwealth to inform the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association (CPA) on how best to support its members towards shared goals. Data were gathered through virtual interviews with CPA councillors representing NPAs or their equivalents from 30 low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries. An inductive, reflexive, thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data. The results identified three key priority areas: developing extended pharmacy services, improving pharmacy education, and redefining the role of NPAs. This study highlights the urgent need to support NPAs in these areas to enhance the pharmacy profession's impact, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The findings provide an evidence-based foundation for the CPA to strategically and collaboratively support NPAs, advocate for the profession, and empower pharmacists to maximise their contribution towards achieving universal health coverage and sustainable development goals.