Commonwealth Pharmacy Day 2008

16th June 2008

"Ensuring Better Medicines for Children"

"Our children are our most treasured asset," says Ivan Kotzé, President of the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association (CPA). "We must take every step possible to ensure that they are protected by using appropriate medicines at safe doses."

In May 2007, the World Health Assembly passed a resolution on "Better Medicines for Children", setting goals and calling for action by member states and the World Health Organisation to address the global need for children's medicines. The CPA has confirmed its commitment to supporting the World Health Organisation's initiative to "Make Medicines Child Size".

To celebrate Commonwealth Pharmacy Day on 16 June 2008, the CPA urges its members organisations to become involved in initiatives that will improve access to safe and reliable medicines for children worldwide.

According to Kotzé, one of the challenges that healthcare providers face is the provision of age-appropriate, palatable, convenient, transportable and affordable medicines for children. In some cases, there has been insufficient appropriate drug development. For example, age-appropriate, quality assured, fixed dose combinations for malaria, HIV and TB are desperately needed. Another source of concern is the availability and affordability of suitable products, particularly in the less-developed Commonwealth countries.

"Pharmacists are well trained and their knowledge and experience plays a pivotal role in ensuring that safe and effective medicines are accessible to children," concluded Kotzé.

See our article: 'Has CPA Done Enough?'

For further information contact:

The Secretariat
Commonwealth Pharmacists Association
1 Lambeth High Street
London SE1 7JN UK
Email admin@commonwealthpharmacy.org
Website: www.commonwealthpharmacy.org