World Stop TB day

24 March 2007

TB Anywhere is Everywhere

“TB Anywhere is Everywhere”, the theme for World TB Day 2007, emphasizes that Tuberculosis (TB) is still a global emergency largely due to its mode of transmission. The statement also charges us to encourage and sustain collective action in the fight against this disease, which remains an international health challenge.

TB as a worldwide pandemic, is reported by the World Health Organization to affect 2 billion people, or otherwise one third of the world’s total population, and caused the death of 1.6 million people in 2005.

Pharmacists must remain vigilant in efforts geared at TB eradication.   World TB Day 2007 presents another opportunity to fulfil our duties and  play our part in the realization of international health targets stipulated in  the Global Plan to Stop TB 2006-2015

The CPA landmark project in Mumbai, India indicates that community  pharmacists do have a role in the management of TB through the  provision of health education and the active use of the Direct Observation  Treatment Strategy (DOTS)

The “TB Fact Card” project in Mumbai saw approximately 180 TB patients  being educated and monitored by community pharmacists who maintained  a consistent treatment, and support regime for all patients. The initiative  led to greater patient involvement and community pharmacists gaining a  better understanding of their role in the reduction of stigma and  discrimination. It also strengthened the partnership between community  pharmacists and private physicians for the management of TB

To be successful in our TB eradication efforts we must engage  communities through activities geared at TB prevention and control. We  must lead the charge in our local associations by mobilising fellow  pharmacists and other professional groups to action. The “TB Fact Card”  Project in Mumbai is evidence of the effectiveness of community  involvement and advocacy. Let’s accept the challenge. More than ever,  now is the time to act.

Dr E Grace Allen Young  CPA President

March 2007