Pharmacists, human immunodeficiency virus, and the UNDRR-ISC Hazard information profile: embedding preparedness in practice

Emergencies and disasters often devastate communities, leaving lasting scars on healthcare systems that can persist for decades. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 170 million people each year are affected by conflict, and a further 190 million by disasters worldwide [1]. From droughts to pandemics to localized crises such as fires, these events place immense strain on health systems and economies [1]. In such situations, health services quickly become overwhelmed, resources depleted, and treatment progress reversed. This is particularly true for chronic conditions like Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), where continuity of care is essential to prevent disease progression and transmission. At the end of 2024, 40.8 million people were living with HIV globally, and 630 000 died from AIDS-related illnesses [2]. Interruptions to antiretroviral therapy (ART) can cause viral rebound within 3–6 days [3], and adults who stop ART for >6 months face up to 3 times higher mortality risk compared to those who remain in care [4]. The WHO Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (EDRM) Framework calls for urgent, coordinated action across response, recovery, prevention, and preparedness [1], with health systems playing a central role in building resilience. Among the tools supporting this effort are the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and International Science Council’s Hazard Information Profiles (UNDRR–ISC HIPs), which provide detailed, hazard-specific guidance to help anticipate risks and maintain continuity of care [5]. The aim of this article is to highlight the essential role of the pharmacy workforce in sustaining HIV care during emergencies and to advocate for integrating HIPs into pharmacy practice to strengthen disaster preparedness and health system resilience.