World Aids Day Press Release, 1 December 2008

CPA President, Ivan Kotze's Statement for World AIDS Day 2008

2008 marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. Treatment for HIV and AIDS has improved and become more widespread since 1988.

However :

• HIV is a preventable disease but an estimated 3 million people globally died from it in 2005.
• Many still do not have access to medicines. In 2007 only 31% of those in low- to middle-income countries who need treatment received it.
• Despite HIV awareness now reaching nearly all areas of the globe, infection rates are still happening 2.7 times faster than the increase in number of people receiving treatment.
• Fewer than 5% of HIV-positive children have access to treatment. Less than 10 % of children who have lost parents to AIDS get public support or care.
• In developing countries, HIV/AIDS medications cost as little as $US140 per patient a year. For many in the poorer countries it is likely that use of the older antiretrovirals will continue as they are cheaper than those now recommended by WHO although they are more toxic.

Although for those living in richer countries, provision of medication and other support services are likely to be part of the regular health services, many others will receive their treatment through services specifically set up separately to solely deal with this disease. However, given the projected growth in the number of overall cases and in the numbers being offered treatment, it is likely that regular services will increasingly be involved in the support provision. Further, in the absence of a cure, those who receive adequate treatment may essentially have a chronic condition and be faced with taking medications routinely for the rest of their lives.

The consequences for pharmacy may therefore be expected to be of significance. In addition to the expansion of the handling of medicines, pharmacists will also have to prepare for the other aspects of support patients with a chronic disease require, particularly in the context of information and advice with respect to concordance and issues such as recognizing development of serious side effects, of associated diseases such as tuberculosis or resistance to treatment. A parallel, in principle, might be found in pharmaceutical services to diabetics.

In anticipation of these developments CPA is undertaking a project in several locations through local Schools of Pharmacy. The expected outcome will be establishment of the priority pharmaceutical needs for patients with HIV and suggestions for action plans related to those locations and possibly across the world.

CPA continues to recommend involvement of member associations and individual pharmacists participate and support local activities related to treatment of those with HIV/AIDs. It also reiterates commitment to the Ocho Rios statement of 2003.

See also our general information on World AIDS Day.

For further information contact:
CPA Secretariat on: admin@commonwealthpharmacy.org