What are the "best-buys" for health promotion in pharmacy?
Chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) significantly contribute to global mortality and diminished quality of life, placing a growing burden on healthcare systems. The World Health Organization has developed cost-effective strategies to manage these diseases, entitled "best buys", by addressing major risk factors for NCDs, such as smoking, alcohol use, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity. Pharmacies, as accessible healthcare facilities, are well-positioned to support preventive care and behaviour change, including tobacco and alcohol cessation, dietary modifications, and physical activity promotion. Legislation in some countries, like Portugal, empowers pharmacies to deliver health promotion services to the communities they serve. Strengthening collaboration between pharmacies, other healthcare services, and public health authorities can amplify the impact of these initiatives, improving population health outcomes.