The World Health Organisation, in a landmark initiative to curb the current tuberculosis epidemic, has signed up with The International Pharmaceutical Federation on the role of pharmacists in tuberculosis care and control.

The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) is the apex body of pharmacists.

The joint statement on the cooperation was issued here at the federation's 71st International Congress in Hyderabad. The move establishes a series of measures to help detect tuberculosis, offer treatment support to tuberculosis patient and substantially reduce the number of deaths. The plans it to encourage the FIP's network of two million pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists around the world to become fully engaged in national tuberculosis care and control efforts.

Dr Hiroki Nakatani, Assistant Director-General, WHO, welcomed the new accord and lauded the contributions made by the Indian R&D teams in bringing down the cost of some vaccines for meningitis in Africa and other places.

He said pharmacists can be gatekeepers to vital tuberculosis health services.

“The WHO welcomes the opportunities for further collaboration with the federation's network of pharmacists. This will help people with tuberculosis gain early access to the care and treatment they need. The Indian Government's effort to create a pharma retail network deserves compliments.”

Dr Michel Buchmann, the President, FIP, said while recognising the broader role of pharmacists in the development and use of anti-tuberculosis medicines, this move focuses on the role of pharmacists directly involved in the care of people with tuberculosis. “The FIP will endeavour to support WHO and their members states in enabling national tuberculosis programmes and national pharmacy associations to strengthen their collaboration.”

The focus is towards care and control of TB and multi-drug-resitant-TB globally.

Published on September 4, 2011