EPSA Public Health Campaigns and Social Services

Last three months, EPSA has been focused on several public health topics. Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, World Pharmacist Day, Immunization weeks, Antibiotic Awareness Week and World Aids Day were tackled by EPSA.

During September, EPSA focused on Childhood Cancer which was in cooperation with The European Society for Paediatric Oncology and here we raised awareness by highlighting the subject. On World Pharmacist Day, EPSA informed the public about the various possibilities which a pharmacist can develop into professionally. Two weeks later, Immunization week was promoted in which pharmacist’s role in vaccination promotion and delivery were highlighted.

There was a live campaign which EPSA took part in at the 16th EPSA Autumn Assembly, concerning monitoring of health conditions. After this event, World Antibiotic Awareness week was done by EPSA. Here, the problem of antimicrobial resistance was mapped and also new therapies on how to tackle this later. In December, World AIDS day was organized, liaising with IPSF, we raised awareness on the power of communities and promoted prevention.

Social Services were kicked off in September with saving water and energy campaign. Infographics were spread in which several tips were given on how to save energy and water. In October, green transport week was organized by EPSA. To promote sustainable and green transport, a survey was launched which students would fill out every time they use a sustainable form of transport. During theAutumn Assembly, a social service was organized by the Reception Committee and EPSA to raise funds and to collect needed materials for an elderly home.

Our members delivered several Public Health campaigns and Social Services. FASFR, Romania delivered “fight the flu” on raising awareness to differentiate flu from a cold, myths and prevention. This campaign was done online and live by FASFR. AFÖP, Austria organised a Teddy bear hospital in October. They visited 350 children from age 4 – 8 in kindergarten. They partnered up with the national Medical Students’ Association for this campaign. Their outcome was children being less afraid of hospital visits, even preparing them some food.

ANEPF, France vaccinated their own students against flu during their general assembly. These vaccinations were carried out by pharmacy students and 118 students were vaccinated against influenza. AEFFUL,Portugal also did a live campaign on flu. They provided materials to promote awareness on this topic. PPSA, Poland organised a national campaign called “consult the pharmacist.” Here they visited shopping centres and put up a stand to measure vitals and talk about diabetes and hypertension. They also explained to the public the difference between medicines, diet supplements and medicinal herbs. SPSA, Slovakia shared sweets on World Pharmacists Day, did a live campaign on Movember by raising awareness about prostate and testicular cancer in a local mall. They also did an antiAIDS campaign were they shared mulled wine and condoms. VFSO, Belgium organised an online campaign on antibiotic awareness where they took pictures from medical and pharmacy students. SSFB, Romania organised a blood donation in a transfusion center where they collected blood that will help save 90 lives. MUPSA, Turkey also organised a campaign on Movember and delivered brochures, as well as using banners to create awareness.

Michael Vranken Public Health and Social Services Coordinator 2019-2020