Africa Malaria Day

25 April 2007

CPA Theme: PHARMACISTS CONTINUE TO FIGHT MALARIA
 
In supporting this initiative, CPA seeks to build on and extend aspects of the Roll
Back Malaria programme for 2004-08 and of topics promoted for Africa Malaria
days in previous years.
 
Pharmacists can use their skills, knowledge and status in their communities to
support the aims of the day showing leadership and working with health care
colleagues and others to promote the best possible outcomes for those exposed
to or suffering from malaria.
 
Although the scope and focus in individual communities will be different,
depending on the policies in the country and the progress to date, all pharmacists
practicing where malaria is endemic can make a real, direct contribution to the
control and treatment of malaria in their locality.
 
Some options are:
 
In specific support of individual patients, pharmacists may engage in
pharmaceutical issues such as 
• Ensuring the availability of an adequate product range for all
patients including e.g. artesunate suppositories
• Ensuring that the quality of the antimalarials  procured or issued is
high by obtaining batch quality data or using suppliers from the list
approved by WHO 
• Supporting implementation of most recent WHO recommendations
e.g. ACT and regimens aimed at reducing development of
resistance to treatment
• Positively supporting other initiatives such as the early/emergency
treatment of cases
 
Provide information for patients, healthcare colleagues and others involved on
the availability and use of 
 
 Insecticide treated nets
• Ensure nets are used routinely and properly
• Promote the use of long lasting treated nets
• Support appropriate retreatment of nets to maintain the effectiveness
of the insecticide and replacement of worn out /physically damaged
nets

• Where use of nets is limited, target high priority groups e.g. pregnant
women and children under 5.
 
 
Current local recommended regimens for/in 
• Treatment of simple uncomplicated malaria
• Lab confirmed malaria
• Pregnancy (Intermittent preventive treatment and treatment of
active disease)
• Use after initial treatment failure
• Cases of severe malaria
 
 
Current information on resistance to treatments
 
Information and support for indoor residual spraying
• In addition to knowledge of local policies and procedures
pharmacists may provide essential information on the safe and
effective handling of these materials 
 
In addition to this sheet you may find some of the links and supporting fact
sheets on the CPA website of value in developing your action plan for the day. 
 
CPA would be pleased to receive any feedback you may have on the topic or on
the work you have been involved in for or around this year’s Africa Malaria Day.