The theme this year is: Local action, global impact.

Please mark the date in your diary and begin local preparations to celebrate the day with us.

Calls to action in 2025

For patients & community members

  • Keep an up-to-date list of all your medicines.
  • Take medicines as directed by your health professional.
  • Ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse about any concerns you have about your medicines.
  • Check with your doctor or pharmacist whether medicines you buy over-the-counter without a prescription are safe for you.

For health professionals

  • Prescribe according to recognised guidelines taking account of patient needs and wishes so that treatment is tailored and patient-centred.
  • Encourage patients to ask questions about treatment options.
  • Regularly review all medicines prescribed for a patient.

For policy makers

  • Rational use of medicines saves lives and improves health outcomes.
  • Rational use of medicines programs support cost-effective use of medicines and are a good investment.

IRUM Day Posters

The four posters below have been designed for IRUM Day. We encourage you to use these in your local workplace and health facilities. Each poster is available in multiple formats. More information on formats and links to download each poster can be found here.

IRUM Day Poster Local Action Global Impact
IRUM Day Local Action Global Impact
IRUM Day Your Health Professional Can Help
IRUM Day Your Health Professional Can Help

IRUM Day Resources

To support local initiatives and amplify the message, fact sheets and media releases are now available in multiple languages. These resources are free to download and can be used to raise awareness, promote events, or engage media and policymakers. Find out more and download here.

IRUM Day Videos

We’re pleased to share two short, powerful videos highlighting global voices working towards safer, smarter, and more equitable medicine use.

▶ Rational Use of Medicines: Why It Matters Globally
Patients, healthcare workers, and policymakers from around the world share why rational use of medicines is essential to public health.

▶ The Next Generation Speaks: Young Scientists on Rational Use of Medicines
Young scientists, alongside patients and healthcare providers, explore bold ideas to improve access, tackle antimicrobial resistance, and shape the future of healthcare.

Watch and share to support the global movement for responsible medicine use.