An International web-based initiative for pharmacists and pharmacy students

Worldwide, more than two million people die each year from tuberculosis (TB) - more than any other curable infectious disease. Someone in the world is newly infected with TB bacilli every second. Overall, one-third of the world’s population is currently infected. Five to ten percent of these people will become sick or infectious at some time during their life. People who are co-infected with HIV are many times more likely to become sick; with TB also accounting for 13% of AIDS deaths worldwide

The Commonwealth Pharmaceutical Association (CPA) and International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF) have teamed up to create this international forum. CPA and IPSF are two non-government organisations (NGOs) in Official Relations with The World Health Organisation (WHO), and together represent over one million pharmacists and pharmacy students across the globe.

The forum includes research findings, interviews with researchers and links to online TB resources. Pharmacists and pharmacy students can also subscribe to the email list and will be able to download a literature review on the role of the pharmacist in TB control.

To avert the further spread of multidrug resistance, however, it will be important that the supply of medications is accompanied by community based education and adherence support. Pharmacists are frequently consulted for advice about medications, and are among the most accessible and trusted health professionals in their communities. Pharmacists are well placed to provide health information and observe TB treatment. The unmet need for TB medicines information and treatment support is both a challenge and an opportunity for the pharmacy profession.