World TB Day. 24 March 2008 - Media Release

18 March 2008

Pharmacists - a "neglected link" in TB control

Researchers agree that private pharmacies are a crucial link in the provision of accessible treatment for tuberculosis patients.  President of the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association, Mr Ivan Kotzé, speaking in the lead-up to World TB Day, agreed private pharmacies continue to be a neglected resource in many countries. 

"While significant progress has been made by National Tuberculosis Plans through their commitment to the Global Plan to Stop TB, we have a long way to go before meeting millennium development goals," Mr Kotzé stated.  "Greater collaboration between public and private health care sectors is essential in ensuring all patients gain access to DOTS services", he said.  Over 22 million people globally since 1995 have received treatment through national DOTS (directly observed treatment, short-course) programs.

However, studies have shown that delay between diagnosis and treatment, and difficulties in accessing healthcare systems may contribute to increased opportunities for transmission with major implications for public health.  "Pharmacies are easily accessible centres for reliable and relevant TB information, treatment and advice", said Mr Kotzé.  "Raising awareness of tuberculosis and referring symptomatic patients to TB services should be part of every community pharmacist's work in high burden countries", he continued.

The CPA President went on to say that pharmacists are in an ideal position to treat and support patients on long-term TB therapy.  Training pharmacists as DOTS providers could help ensure successful treatment outcomes for the 50% of patients in many developing countries who access treatment outside public sector facilities. "This strategy would help consolidate the gains already made in TB prevention and control and expand services still desperately needed in high burden countries", said Mr Kotzé.


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