Africa Malaria Day - 2005

“Partnering with patients and communities will be essential if we are to realise the benefits of scaling-up malaria control efforts”, says Commonwealth Pharmaceutical Association President, Grace Allen Young.

In a message to Commonwealth pharmacists to mark Africa Malaria Day, Mrs Allen Young emphasised the value of establishing partnerships between health care teams and the community, in the fight against malaria. “Pharmacists are in an ideal position to partner with the communities they serve”, said President Allen Young, “they are easily accessible providers of reliable information and advice, not just suppliers of medicines.”

The Commonwealth Pharmaceutical Association believes patients themselves are key participants, in collaboration with health care providers, in the promotion of healthconscious choices and behaviours at community level.

With over 70% of first contact malaria treatment in Africa being provided by the private sector, community pharmacists can play a pivotal role in raising community awareness of malaria prevention strategies as well as working with their patients to help ensure compliance with medication treatment. Integrating prevention and care is a guiding principle of the Roll Back Malaria Strategy for expanding health delivery systems to reach communities and households.

Halving the burden of malaria by 2010, the goal of the Roll Back Malaria Partnership, would reduce child mortality, improve maternal health and have significant impact on reducing global poverty.

The Commonwealth Pharmaceutical Association is providing campaign materials for members throughout Africa to mark Africa Malaria Day, 25 April 2005.

For more information contact:
Mr John Bell
Secretary,
Commonwealth Pharmaceutical Association,
Email: John.bell@hcn.net.au

President's Message for Africa Malaria Day 2005

“Pharmacists Partner with Communities”

Pharmacists are essential partners in the global efforts aimed at reversing the incidence of malaria, particularly in Africa.

Official estimates are that some 300-500 million cases occur each year and that 1.1 million persons die. 90% originate from sub- Saharan Africa, with pregnant women and children being most affected.

Pharmacists being the main providers of medicines prescribed for patients offer care, as well as information, to empower persons to play an active role in reducing their own vulnerability, and that of their children, to the disease. The elimination of possible mosquito sites around the home is a fine example of information that cannot be overstated. A further partnership opportunity is for pharmacists to assist in national programmes developed for the distribution of insecticide impregnated nets to communities.

The Commonwealth Pharmaceutical Association believes that together we can make strides at achieving the targets of the Roll Back Malaria Partnership to halve the burden of malaria by 2010 and the Millennium Development Goal of halting and beginning to see a reduction of incidence by 2015.

The Commonwealth Pharmaceutical Association will be supporting the efforts of its national associations at raising community awareness.

E. Grace Allen Young
President
Commonwealth Pharmaceutical Association
March 28, 2005