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Issue #2 - January 2013
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general section
Ms. Hager Ben Mosbah
content General Section
Page 4
Diabetes and Healthy Living Page 14
Page 18
Anti Tuberculosis Page 26
Anti Counterfiet Drugs Page 38
Anti Tobacco Page 48
Humanitarian Page 56
Medicine Awareness Page 70
Breast Cancer Page 76
Issue #2, January 2013
Design & Layout
Ms.IPSFAlexandra Marques Chairperson of Media and Publications Cover photo
Ms. Alexandra Marques Proofread by Ms. Yuqian Liu [Editor-in-Chief] Ms. Neo E-on Ms. Hannah Svedlung Mr. Jason Hong
publications@ipsf.org editor@ipsf.org
Editor-in-Chief
Dear IPSFer, I am very proud to present you the second “PUBLIC HEALTH SPOT” issue.
HIV/AIDS
Chairperson of Media and Publications
‘‘
IPSF Public Health Chairperson says
This magazine started last year. Since each IPSF’s Public Health campaign had its own newsletter and the public Health subcommittee issued around 12 newsletters each year, we decided to reunite all of them under the same shelter as the “PUBLIC HEALTH SPOT”. We owe this nice idea to the immediate past Chairperson of Media and Publications Ms.Ines Harzallah and and the immediate past chairperson of Public Health Ms. Christine Cooper. Dear IPSFers, you should also know that you are the Heart of this magazine: each one of you who is preparing a campaign, designing posters and mottos, counselling patients or random people, distributing brochures, giving out condoms, offering free measurements for sugar blood pressure, warning about the risks of smoking, giving for charity, all of you are making a different. Every IPSF’er who is willing to make a change, we want to hear your stories and share them with the world! So please, keep sending us your reports and articles! This year our No.1 motto is INNOVATION! We are working to bring new ideas, new projects, prioritizing creativity and finding new and better means to reach for the public and communicate our message. All of the coordinators and Public Health subcommittees gathered their efforts and spent a lot of time working hard to make this issue as rich and inspiring as you are about to discover. In conclusion, WELCOME to our Spot ! We wish you a good reading and hope you will get inspired by what IPSF’ers are accomplishing around the globe. VIVA La Pharmacie VIVA IPSF
Public Health Spot
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Public Health Sub-Committee members answer:
Why is Public Health important to you?
“Public Health is very important because a healthy community reflects a sense of mental and physical well being and is the foundation for achieving all other goals. Good health is often taken for granted but is essential for a productive society. For example,healthier students are more equipped to learn and be successful academically ...” Zakaria
“ Public health for me is about helping others and spreading the high spirit you have to other people. I am always touched whenever people smile because of what you’ve done for them especially when it’s about maintaining or curing their health. That triggers me to contribute more to the society.” Anggie
“Public health to me is an opportunity to help others and learn about others health and culture. It also can include sharing and telling of knowledge and education regarding health and disease-states which ultimately improves people’s health outcomes.” Stephanie 2
Public Health Spot
“One of my very favorite things to do in life is talk to people, which works great for public health. Public health to me is where the real changes are made. When you work with people, you have a chance to make improvements. And who couldn’t use a little improvement in their life?” Christine
“Public health is important to me because it is a way for one to use their training and knowledge to positively impact other’s lives. What most appeals to me about this is that our message can transcend cultures, educational backgrounds, etc; It can impact everyone.” Alana
“I l becau glob to p goo takin
love public health use I think in todays’ bal world, best way promote health and od quality of life is ng care of the health of our society.” Lina
“ What I mostly like about PH, is that it’s 1.Public (have the chance to reach out to SO many people, help them AND interact) and 2.Health (there is absolutely nothing more important than one’s health, then other things can be solved!)” Janet
“ I love helping people and seeing them smile. That pushes me to contribute more to the society and try to improve public health worldwide” Ines
general section
“I love IPSF and its impact it makes on the community through public education, which is why I chose to work for the PH subcommittee. As a pharmacist and as a student pharmacist I want to share all of the information I learned and I feel the best way is through Public Health Initiatives that IPSF promotes. I want to be on the front line to promote Public Health ideas and share them with patients, which is why I am excited to share all of my ideas and to hear from other student pharmacists all over the world how they make a difference in patient’s life!” Sheena
“Public health combats threats to health by implementing educational programs, developing policies, administering services, and conducting research. Working in public health is to promote and protect the health and safety of people including you.” Méthode
“I love public health because I believe giving accurate health information to the public will help them make informed decisions about their health and prevent some common ailment as illiteracy is a form of disease in this dispensation.” Emmanuel
“Public health is vital because it is becoming more and more difficult for countries to deal with the everincreasing cost in the health sector. Thus healthier population would mean the countries can run more efficiently and deal with other important issues (education, city planning, social welfare, economic problems, immigration) that also increases the overall quality of life for their citizens.” Amber
Public Health Spot
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Ms. Sheena Patel shares:
Experience in Public Health Sub-Committee “IPSF, International Pharmaceutical Students Federation, four little letters that changed my perspective on pharmacy and the way I will practice pharmacy in the future.
Through this position I was able to expand the role of IPSF at Wilkes University and in the community. In November and December I organized three events around the time of World AIDS Day. The first event was hosted by student pharmacists and members from the Gay-Straight Alliance group at Wilkes University. The events were a Jeopardy game, educational session, and a friendly competition between six pharmacy schools to raise the most money for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation in America.
Every month, I planned two educational events on Diabetes and Tobacco Abuse at local pharmacies in Wilkes Barre, where over 100 patients were educated on these two problems. The final project that I started and will continue to implement is Pharmabridge. Through IPSF’s Pharmabridge I worked with a Wilkes University Pharmacy professor who helped me locate a pharmacy school in need of pharmacy textbooks. We found Makerere University in Uganda, Africa. I first began my pharmacy profession as a bright Last year, I collected over 100 pharmacy textbooks eyed student ready to learn about everything and I raised money through my Zumba Class relating to diseases and medications. When I Fundraiser to send one shipment of books to became a second year student pharmacist I Makerere Univeristy’s non-existent library. This was appointed IPSF Liaison at Wilkes University year, we were able to send over 30 textbooks to through the American Pharmacist Association – students at Makerere University. I am working with Academy of Student Pharmacists. 4
Public Health Spot
general section the current IPSF Chair and co-chair to ship more I have learned that my educational sessions do textbooks to the school as soon as we can. make a difference even if it is in just one patient. Helping that one patient their disease will improve These experiences led me to apply for IPSF care for the patient, and hopefully extend their lifePublic Health Subcommittee, which I currently span. It makes me happy to know that what I do hold for this year. Through this position I have as a member of IPSF’s Public Health Subcommittee worked closely with student pharmacists all over does make a difference. I can make handouts that the world on a variety of health initiatives including are simple and easy for patients to understand, Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and anti-counterfeit campaign. which will allow them to learn how to manage their I enjoy working with other people with different disease and help improve their outcomes, which backgrounds and experience. When they share in my mind is the best thing in the world: to know their stories about what they have accomplished I that you made a difference for a patient and you am amazed at how much of an impact one event were able to help someone live longer. That in itself can make. I love sharing my experiences with is a powerful thought. other student pharmacists and also collaborating on ideas for a campaign or project within IPSF. For Overall, I am glad that I am a member of IPSF example, for the anti-counterfeit campaign, I was especially a member of the Public Health team. I able to talk to an IPSFer in another country about the have learned so much and I hope my experience same issues we face in America and to strategize on how to combat this problem. Working with these members has been a truly amazing experience and I would recommend anyone who is interested in IPSF or in applying for an IPSF position to go for it. Once you join the organization, you will never look at pharmacy the same way.
will encourage other student pharmacists to join IPSF and make a difference in patient care and a patient’s life because trust me when I say you will change for the better through IPSF as a pharmacist and also as a caregiver for patients in your area and all over the world.”
I know I have changed because of this experience. This organization will not only enhance the way I practice pharmacy, but how I impact my patients.
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Public Health Spot
general section
Mr. Wei- 65th World Health Hua, CHU Assembly (WHA) attended: Geneva, Switzerland My name is Wei-Hua, CHU (Henry), Chairperson of the 11th Asia Pacific Pharmaceutical Symposium. This year I get the once in a blue moon chance to go to the 65th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, Switzerland. Why would I say that it is a “once in a blue moon chance” ? It is because I come from Taiwan, where there are many complicated political issues that l can not express them in a short story. Taiwan is not accepted as a country neither a region in the international world, since People Republic of China defeats Republic of China (Taiwan) in 1949, and Republic of China retreat to Taiwan. After that, Taiwan is one of the most difficult issues in the world, and we can not go to World Health Organization (WHO) until 2009.Therefore, I have to show my tremendous appreciation to International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF) for giving me the chance to go to WHA. The theme of the 65th WHA is “Towards Universal Coverage”. This topic aims to provide health services and wish to include everyone in this service no matter regardless wealthy or poor. You can see a lot of humanity issues in the WHA. WHA includes 194 member states , 7 observers and a lot of Non Government Organizations (NGO) related with WHO such as IPSF. There are numerous people from all over the world, but seldom do I see the Asians joining it. Therefore, I aspire more Asian students to struggle for the chance to go to WHA in the future.
IPSF does not only spectate but also join actively in the WHA, since NGOs have the right to make a 3 minutes speech to convey their opinions. Sanne, IPSF president 2011-2012 spoke about the topic of “counterfeit drug” which is was discussed with IPSF executives during the whole night. It was a wonderful chance to make all of countries to know what is IPSF and what can IPSF do.
The most unforgettable thing is that l have acquainted many tremendously good friends from IPSF namely Marouen, Sharif Siam, Michael and so on. We conveyed our own opinions and we had fun together. Therefore, the last but not least which I want to say is that “I love IPSF”
Public Health Spot
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Geneva, Switzerland
Public Health Spot
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general section
65th World Health Assembly (WHA)
Mr. Vikesh Kakad and Ms. Oksana Pyzik report:
65th World Health Assembly (WHA) Geneva, Switzerland
We were among the health ministers, healthcare
the influenza pandemic, and so on. However, her
professionals and leaders, and non-governmental
key message was that, to tackle health problems
organisations who gathered at the 65th session of
efficiently and effectively, we must attack with simple
the World Health Assembly (WHA) at the United
and affordable tactics that will reach and benefit
Nations headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
the greatest number of people possible. We must
The World Health Organization is the world’s
get back to basics. “The true genius of innovation
highest health policy-setting body, composed and
resides in simplicity, making usability and affordable
governed by 194 member states. The WHO provides
price explicit objectives,” Dr Chan.
public health guidelines and standards, monitors
WHO reform
health trends, issues evidence-based policy options
Heated discussions emerged surrounding the
for governments and provides technical support to
controversial WHO reform aimed at budget and
countries.
priority setting. The crippling financial crisis has
The health assembly meets annually to decide
drained resources and led to heavy staff losses.
on major policy questions, as well as to approve the
With such brutal budget cuts organisations such as
organisation’s budget and elect its director general.
Oxfam, among others, question the WHO’s ability
This year’s 65th assembly opened with a focus on
to deliver its essential core functions. Currently,
universal health coverage, a theme that was often
only 10 per cent of the budget is allocated towards
revisited throughout the week and which drew
quality assurance guidance for the development,
strong support from member states.
production, quality control, regulation, inspection
On day one, WHO director general Margaret Chan
and distribution of medical products. Member states
was re-elected with a clean sweep for another five
warned that budget cuts affecting core functions
years. She said: “Universal health coverage is the
would come at too high a price and called for greater
ultimate expression of fairness, between rich and
funding to protect the integrity of medicines in
poor, young and old, women and men. Universal
accordance with the WHO’s constitution and global
health coverage is the single most powerful concept
mandate.
that public health has to offer.”
Falsified medicines
In her opening address Dr Chan continued to
In response to the breaking news on falsified
applaud health achievements from around the
medicines recently published by The Lancet, the
globe: India, eradication of polio with government
International
ownership; Canada, promotion of gender equity
International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation
and human rights; Indonesia, preparedness for
delegates drafted a resolution. A new member
10 Public Health Spot
Pharmaceutical
Federation
and
mechanism
clinical commissioning groups, the BPSA sees it vital
p r o p o s i n g
that pharmacists increase their involvement with GPs
international
and other health professionals.
co-
operation on item
Networking
13.13 of the agenda
The WHA also serves as a platform to expand
—
substandard,
professional and student networks and the contacts
spurious,
falsely-
built by the BPSA will be indispensible. Students, take
labelled,
falsified
note: many organisations provide summer internships
counterfeit
and the BPSA is working towards creating strong and
medical
lasting partnerships for our members. Next year, the
products — which
BPSA hopes to increase the number of members
went on to the full
present at the WHA and work more closely with the
or (SSFFC)
plenary where it passed without opposition. The IPSF
Royal Pharmaceutical Society to achieve this goal.
advocated to the executive board and WHO member
It was noted as a whole that pharmacy organisations
state representatives for solid regulatory systems to be
and pharmacists were a minority and vastly under-
coupled with appropriate enforcement by authorities
represented. There is plenty of potential for our
in order to maintain integrity of the drug supply chain.
profession to play a greater role in the leadership of
Pharmacists are drug experts and thus should be
public health topics and issues on an international
key players in maximising awareness and minimising
scale. Pharmacists are key health professionals yet
distribution of SSFFC products. Member states urged
many do not take on an active part in the decision-
the WHO to develop and work with regional and
making process. We, however, as young pharmacists
international networks between regulators, such as the
are eager to have our voices heard and call on readers
European Medicines Agency. Previous efforts by the
to engage and to take political action.
WHO to control SSFFC products via the International Medical Products Anti-Counterfeiting Taskforce were deemed to be biased, leading to the dismantling of the taskforce. Multidisciplinary working It is British Pharmaceutical Students’ Association policy to work more closely with medical and nursing student organisations, with the aim of producing a single and strong healthcare workforce. Therefore, we asked Christopher Pleyer, president of International
Attending the WHA was a dream come true. Not only did we witness history in the making but we met our “idols” and are now more than ever are inspired to do more and to create a better, healthier world and, of course, to share what we have learnt with readers.
Federation of Medical Students’ Association (IFMSA),
Oksana Pyzik is an academic and research pharmacist
on its views for using multidisciplinary education and
for the International Pharmacy Federation, European
training to develop the future of multidisciplinary
Law Students’ Association and the International
working.
Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation. Vikesh Kakad is
He replied that it is already working closely with
president elect of the British Pharmaceutical Students’
the IPSF under the World Heath Professional Alliance
Association (BPSA) and preregistration trainee at Day
and that he sees health professionals, including
Lewis Plc.
pharmacists, working closely together in the future.
Source: Tomorrow’s Pharmacist 2012
With the current reforms of the NHS and incoming Public Health Spot 11
general section
state
12 Public Health Spot
Public Health Spot 13
Diabetes and Healthy Living Campaign
ublic Heal th Pu Publ b i l c i H ublic ealth c Health Heal P u blic H th Pu ublic ealth blic H Heal th Pu ealth Heal blic H th Pu ealth ealth blic H Publ e a lth ic He ic He 14 Public Health Spot
IPSF Diabetes and Healthy Living Campaign Co-Ordinator Dear fellow IPSF’ers all around the world!
Or did you happen to know, that even if you don’t go to the gym every day, if you could maybe take the
This year, not so long ago, as you may all know, on
stairs instead of the elevator, and go to the store by
November the 14th , the 21st World Diabetes Day was
foot instead of taking your car- all that already helps
celebrated.
to improve your well being?
This year IPSF wanted to emphasize the healthy
There is a lot of information out there that the
living way of life as a preventive measurement taken
general public is simply unaware of, it is our duty to
against diabetes and other non-communicable
mentor and show them how simple it is to make these
diseases.
much needed changes in different aspects of our
Healthy diet, physical activity and a life free of stress
lives. At first it could be hard to adjust but with a new
or at least stress we know how to manage- are the
mindset you get used to it and it turns into a new way
pillars of this year’s campaign.
of life.
IPSF strives to show you students, health
So let’s change the world, it is possible, but the
professionals and the general public, how simple it is to
change starts from every one of us, so start walking
maintain a healthier lifestyle which helps prevent the
30 min a day 3 times a week and the rest of the world
spread of modern life pandemic- non communicable
will follow ;)
diseases among which diabetes takes on a big role. A healthier lifestyle can also help the people who
VIVA LA PHARMACIE!
already suffers from heart conditions, diabetes or
Email: diabetes@ipsf.org
other illnesses. It reduces long term organ damage
http://diabetes.ipsf.org
and mortality. You- as pharmacy students have the ability to conflict change among our societies and teach people, starting with kids as early as in elementary school – how to eat properly so as to avoid obesity, how physical activity could be a way of life and not something you simply don’t have time for during the day, and how stress really is a negative factor in everybody’s lives. Did you know that 20 min of meditation per day can make you more focused, relaxed, reduce your BP and blood glucose levels?
Public Health Spot 15
Diabetes and Healthy Living Campaign
Ms. Lina Heled
10.000keep steps per day
DIABETES away
ealth lth blic H ea lth Pu Public H h a e H h c lt lt li a a e b e u H H P c lic Publi alth Pub lic Health e b H u c P li Pub c Health lic Health Publi alth Pub Health lic ealth c He Publi ealth Pub Public H lth cH a li e b H u c P Publi
IPSF DIABETES AND HEALTHY LIVING CAMPAIGN
16 Public Health Spot
more info: www.pharmatour.co
HIV / AIDS Awareness Campaign
ublic Heal th Pu Publ blic H ic He ealth blic H alth P e u a l t ublic h Pub blic He a Heal l l i t c h H t ealth h Pub Heal th Pu lic He ealth blic H alth Publ e a lth ic He ic He a 18 Public Health Spot
IPSF HIV / AIDS Awareness Campaign Co-Ordinator
Dearest IPSFers,
of December, please remember that HIV/AIDS are not only an issue on this day, but throughout the whole
December 1st, 2012 marked the 24th World AIDS
year. It is very important to support the campaign
Day. Since its first celebration in 1988, the World AIDS
during the whole year. Only then can we each out “get
Day has brought together people around the world to
to Zero” goal.
raise awareness about the HIV and AIDS pandemic.
HIV / AIDS awareness campaign
Mr. Mohan Shrestha
Hope that you all will have a great campaign at your
The goal of IPSF HIV/AIDS Awareness for the World
place and don’t forget to share it with us at hivaids@
AIDS Day 2012 was to meet the theme “Getting to
ipsf.org to IPSF HIV/AIDS Awareness Coordinator or
Zero: Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination.
publichealth@ipsf.org to IPSF Chairperson of Public
Zero AIDS related deaths”. For 2011-2015, WHO
health.
World AIDS Day will have the same theme and so
Lastly, being involved as an IPSF HIV/AIDS
we are continuing the red ribbon project this year as
Awareness Coordinator had given me the opportunity
well. Through the level of pharmacy students and the
to collaborate with wonderful people around the
pharmacy profession, we must contribute to meet
world and to make a difference together. Thank you!
the theme. By the combined effort of Chairperson of Public health, Chairperson of Media and Publication
Viva la Pharmacie!
and the IPSF Public health Sub-committee, HIV/ AIDS Awareness Campaign Kit was prepared to meet the goal. We hope that this kit has been a valuable resource for IPSF member organizations in creating your own HIV/AIDS Awareness campaign. If you and your local organizations/associations were not able to put together a campaign on the first
Public Health Spot 19
h Healt a c i l b e lth Pu Public H h a e H c lt th Publi blic Heal ublic Hea l a u P P alth Public He e H c Publi ic Health lic Health Publ alth Pub Health lic e c He Publi ealth Pub Public H h H t l c a Publi ublic He P
Fighting
AIDS
Everybody’s
Responsibility 20 Public Health Spot
Pharmacists against HIV / AIDS
did you know...
HIV / AIDS awareness campaign
Mr. Mohan Shrestha writes about:
• HIV/AIDS is the world’s leading infectious killer • HIV/AIDS currently affects about 31 million people worldwide • About 30 million people have died to date • An estimated 1.8 million people die every year from HIV/AIDS • Over 90% of people with HIV were infected through sexual contact • Sub-Saharan Africa remains the most heavily affected region, accounting for 71% of all new HIV infections in 2008 • 14.1 million Children in sub-Saharan Africa have lost one or both parents due to AIDS • More than 400,000 children are infected with HIV or AIDS every year • In countries of the European Union and other high-income countries the resurgence of the epidemic among men who have sex with men is increasingly well-documented • The risk of developing tuberculosis (TB) is estimated to be between 20-37 times greater in people living with HIV than among those without HIV infection
Public Health Spot 21
Scenario of HIV / AIDS globally:
Source: Worldwide HIV & AIDS Statistics Available at: http://www.avert.org/worldstats.htm
Why pharmacists? As pharmacy students and young pharmacist,
compliance, adverse events and lifestyle behaviors.
we are in the position to help other get a better
These data would be provided to other team members
understanding of how the disease spread, the
in real-time to create a coordinated management plan.
importance of the prevention, available therapies,
The pharmacist would also act as a community
where patients can get help.
resource for information on HIV/AIDS to help dispel
Many infected people do not receive proper care
myths and misinformation about the disease.
because of a lack of resources or education about
They can be a provider of testing services and
current treatment options. Even where treatments
counselling, as well as preventative methods and
are available, they are often not optimal because of
information. Hospital pharmacist plays the vital role
poor adherence, adverse events or resistance. Disease
for these activities.
management concepts are being adapted to this
By educating more and more people, we can
disease, but are not yet fully successful because of the
also draw attention to the devastating effects of
lack of definitive guidelines and lack of adherence to
stigmatization. For educating campaigning idea
the therapy. A potential model uses a community care
will be another part by us students. The community
centre (community pharmacy), as the focal point for
pharmacy and hospital pharmacy sector to be handled
care delivery with other healthcare professionals will
by the young pharmacist in collaboration with the
change the scenario.
senior pharmacist and other health care professional
Pharmacist would collect and report data on medication
and
22 Public Health Spot
over-the-counter
drug
usage,
in the team.
Campaign ideas: same. • Organize a marathon in which students wear white T-shirts and red ribbon • Organize a condom exhibition at the university hall to draw attention to the campaign and to educate the people about the safe sex • Arrange a seminar with experts in the school and pharmacy faculties to share knowledge and newer developments in the drug therapy • Set up a booth with campaign materials- pamphlets, flyers, leaflets, brochures, posters and guidelines of the HIV/AIDS treatment to the public people in the shopping malls, hospital areas and public places • Hang HIV/AIDS campaign pictures/posters in the public places • Special emphasis should be given to the HIV positive patients for carrying out the workshop about HIV/ AIDS awareness focused on the point of view of the patient • Organize charity events such as concerts and auction • Start an educational program for non-pharmacy
HIV / AIDS awareness campaign
• Wear the red ribbon and encourage others to do the
Campaign goals: • Improving the public knowledge about the HIV/AIDS • Promoting attitudes and practices that prevent the transmission of HIV • Building up skills as pharmacy students and graduates that help to develop greater understanding and knowledge of HIV/AIDS • Promoting
the pharmacists’ role as a
key member of the health care team in improving the lives of those with HIV/ AIDS • Encourage students to go out into the community and make contact with patients, thereby cultivating skills and experience that will make them better practitioners throughout their career. • Providing
sex
education
and
the
students and organize activities all around the year
importance of the contraceptives to the
by means of school speaking program or community
young generation
awareness services • Collaborate with other local or national health organizations
Public Health Spot 23
Kenya
Kenyatta University Students’ Aids Control Organization (KUSACO)
Croatia
24 Public Health Spot
Croatian Pharmacy and Medical Biochemistry Students Association (CPSA)
HIV / AIDS awareness campaign
Nepal Nepal Pharmacy Students’ society (NPSS), a local organization of NPSA
India
Indian Pharmaceutical Association Students’ Forum in association with St.Peters Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Warangal, Andhra Pradesh.
Public Health Spot 25
Anti Tuberculosis Campaign
ublic Heal th Pu Publ blic H ic He ealth blic H alth P e u a blic H l th Pu ublic ealth blic H Heal th Pu ealth Heal blic H th Pu ealth ealth blic H Publ e a l t h i c ic He H ealth alt
Ms. Anggie Wiyani
Dear beloved IPSFers,
medicine responsibly. Our contribution in reducing those numbers in the fact sheets can be done from a
Tuberculosis is a worldwide disease with a large
small few steps. Revealing the myth and facts about
number of people, in which the statistics show 8.8
TB is one of the most feasible action we can do to
million in 2010, and 1.1 million cases among people
the people near us. In larger scale, collaboration
with HIV. Nevertheless, the number of people who
with other pharmacy students or even pharmacists
died from TB fell to 1.4 million in 2010, equal to
and other healthcare professionals may give a
3800 deaths a day.
bigger impact to the society. Being a member of our IPSF, we must lead the
The World Tuberculosis Day, commemorated annually on the 24th of March, marks the day in
others to promote public health. It’s never too late to act, or never too small.
1882 when Dr. Robert Koch detected the cause of tuberculosis, the TB bacillus. This was the first step
For the TB campaign next year, there will be a
taken in diagnosing and curing tuberculosis. One
new contest which is a Twitter competition, so be
hundred and thirty years has passed, and now the
ready and start signing up for a Twitter account
future is in our hands. Healthcare professionals and
now :D
organisations work hand in hand to increase the quality of medication and also to propose a solution
Viva la Pharmacie!
regarding Multiple drug-resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) that has been an issue for several years. As a future pharmacist, we have to be aware of issues regarding this worldwide disease, as since our profession stands as the public’s partner in taking
Public Health Spot 27
Anti Tuberculosis Campaign
IPSF Anti Tuberculosis Campaign Co-Ordinator
Highlights 1.
100 Percent TB Treatment Strategy Achieved According to official sources, the Pakistani government has achieved 100 percent coverage with the DOTS (directly observed treatment, short course) strategy recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the detection and cure of TB within the country, resulting in the treatment—without cost—of more than 700,000 TB patients. According to these sources, approximately 982 microscopy centers throughout the
country now provide free diagnostics to TB patients. In addition, 40 districts in Pakistan have implemented external quality assurance for sputum microscopy. Pakistan also has five reference laboratories, including one at the federal level and the rest at the provincial level. Pakistan’s annual incidence of TB is 181 cases per 100,000, and case notification is 150 per 100,000. Pakistan’s treatment success rate for TB is 85 percent.
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3.
S Agency for the International Development (USAID) Mission Director for Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova Jed Barton reports a new 5-year project for the reinforcement of control over tuberculosis (TB) in the Ukraine worth $18 million. The new aid package, intended to assist with the control of TB, will improve the quality of service to diagnose and treat TB using short-term treatment courses through the introduction of the project to 10 regions in the Ukraine with the goal of increasing successful case treatment in the country to the global target of 85 percent. To achieve this, the project intends to undertake several improvements, including creating safe conditions for patients and medical staff, improving access to medical diagnostics through the improvement of laboratories, and following strict treatment regimes.
GSK and Aeras to Test Vaccine in Africa, India In Africa and India, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Aeras, a nonprofit biotechnology group, will work together to assess an experimental tuberculosis (TB) vaccine in “proof of concept� tests. The partners plan to start a mid-stage Phase IIb clinical study in Kenya, South Africa, and India in 2013, after successful initial tests with the GSK product, Aeras said on October 10. TB is spreading in spite of the widespread use of the currently available TB vaccine Bacille CalmetteGuerin (BCG), which prevents
some forms of TB. BCG, however, does not prevent pulmonary TB, which accounts for the majority of infections and deaths. The new GSKAeras vaccine candidate is intended to be used together with BCG. Aeras and GSK will conduct the clinical trial in healthy adults aged 18 to 50 years old. Both partners will provide resources for the trial, which is scheduled to start in 2013, pending approvals from authorities. Source: www.cdc.gov
Public Health Spot 29
Anti Tuberculosis Campaign
2.
USAID Allocates $18 Million for New 5-Year AntiTuberculosis Project in Ukraine
Our actions to combat the spread of TB? There are many things we can do to combat the
Even after somebody got infected with TB, they
Tuberculosis spread in our environment. Firstly,
are not easily caught the disease afterwards. The
we have to know how the Tuberculosis is actually
detection for TB disease can only be done if they
spread. There are false rumors and myths running
have done the TB test, such as skin test or blood
around in public about how Tuberculosis spread
test. There will be a higher chance of getting TB
and how people can get infected. As a pharmacy
disease if they have HIV infection, or have other
student who has learned about this disease in
health problems (e.g diabetes) that makes the body
school, we can educate our nearest people about
hard to fight germs, such as alcohol abuser or inject
this issue – and even better, go out to the public
illegal drug addicts , and were not treated correctly
and speak loud about this matter.
for TB infection in the past. Babies, young children, and elderly people also have a much higher chance
We can tell them that people can not get TB germs from sharing drinking bottles or eating utensils,
of getting TB disease if infected with TB germs, prior to their weak body defense compared to adults.
shaking someone’s hands, sharing food, touching bed linens or toilet seats, or sharing toothbrushes.
We must pass this facts straight to public, to encounter their confusion regarding how
TB is spread through the air from one person to another. The TB germs are passed through the air when a person who is sick with TB disease coughs, laughs, sings, or sneezes. If someone breathes air that has TB germs, that person may get TB infection. This means they have only dormant (sleeping) TB germs in their body. These dormant germs are not making them sick, and they cannot pass these germs to anyone else. If these dormant TB germs in their body wake up and multiply, they will get sick with TB disease.
Tuberculosis spread and how will they got infected, or got the disease.
Care for the people near us, and care for the world. Better education, better health. Source: www.cdc.gov www.who.int./tb
30 Public Health Spot
Public Health Spot 31
To commemorate the World Tuberculosis Day 2012, this year IPSF Tuberculosis Coordinator held a contest among IPSF members. It’s the Green Lung picture contest! Association needs to gather their member and then wear green clothes to form a human green
32 Public Health Spot
TB Pic Cont 201
cture test 12
lung. This year we have some nice pictures coming in, and based on votes by CPs all around the world, we proudly announce the winner of TB Picture Contest 2012 is AphA-ASP USA! You can see their amazing picture here, congratulations and we are looking for more green lungs next year so make sure to send in your pictures!
Public Health Spot 33
34 Public Health Spot
World Health Organization
Global Tuberculosis Report 2012 New data in the WHO Global Tuberculosis Report
resistant disease, is now available in 67 low- and
2012 confirm that TB remains a major infectious killer
middle-income countries. Adoption of the ‘while you
today. The findings show:
wait’ test is expected to further accelerate following a
• A continued decline in the number of people falling ill from TB, but still an enormous global burden of 8.7 million new cases in 2011;
The report also points to the promise of medical breakthroughs from new TB drugs – the first in over
• An estimated 1.4 million deaths from TB, including
40 years – which could be on the market as early as
half a million women, underlining the disease as one
2013. Indeed, tools to prevent, detect and treat all
of the world’s top killers of women;
forms of TB are steadily advancing through the R&D
• Reduced rates of new disease and deaths in all of
pipeline, says the report.
WHO’s six regions, although the African and European Regions are not yet on track to achieve goals to halve 1990 levels of mortality by 2015; • A persistently slow progress in the MDR-TB
Further down the line, progress means that a new TB vaccine and a ‘point-of-care’ diagnostic could be available within the next decade.
response, with only 1 in 5 patients estimated to exist being diagnosed world-wide.
But delivering new tools comes at a cost – and the report notes that there is a US$ 1.4 billion funding
The report also highlights country successes –
gap per year for research and development.
among them Cambodia which has seen a 45% drop in TB prevalence between 2002 and 2011 – and, in all,
So it definitely needs contribution and participation
it features data from 204 countries and territories and
from us, pharmacy students all over the world to
covers all aspects of TB, including multidrug-resistant
combat TB! There are many activities and programmes
TB (MDR-TB), TB/HIV, research and development
that we can do to fight against TB, first thing you can
(R&D) and TB financing.
search contact of local or national organisation that works in this area, then collaborating with them to
There is praise in the report for the worldwide rollout of a new diagnostic device that can test patients
run an event or maybe participate in one of their programs. Happy campaigning!
for TB, including drug-resistant TB, in just 100 minutes. The fully automated nucleic acid amplification test
Source: Stop TB Partnership News
(NAAT), which can diagnose TB and rifampicin-
Public Health Spot 35
Anti Tuberculosis Campaign
recent 41% fall in the price of the test.
36 Public Health Spot
Public Health Spot 37
Anti Tuberculosis Campaign
Anti Counterfeit Drugs Campaign
ublic Heal th Pu Publ blic H ic He ealth blic H alth P e u a blic H l th Pu ublic ealth blic H Heal th Pu ealth Heal blic H th Pu ealth ealth blic H Publ e a l t h i c ic He H ealth alt
Ms. Wala Abd Elrhman
Anti Counterfeit Drugs Campaign Co-ordinators
First of all, I would like to express how honored
Through this newsletter you will find our new
and proud I am that I can work for IPSF as the ACDC
projects for this year , which will cover recently
Coordinator which in my opinion is such an important
developed devices to detect counterfeit medicine , a
position. I am really enjoying my term and I hope I will
short introduction about 2012-2013 ACDC team and
be useful for my beloved Federation . I am really happy
the reports of ACDC from last year .
that I had an opportunity to communicate with most of you during my term last year as member in ACDC team and that my ideas were always supported .
If you have any question related to my portfolio or any help with your campaign you are more than welcome to email me on counterfeit@ipsf.org . Or
Actually counterfeit medicine is one of the arising global problems, and as we are student
visit our website www.counterfeit.ipsf.org for further information .
from the medical field we have a role to do in order to eradicate this phenomena, to save people lives
Working for IPSF means a lot of additional work
and get out world with at least as possible aware
apart from your studies or apart from your normal
pharmacy student who able to distinguish between
work. Still it is definitely worth the additional work,
fake and real medicine . When this part was included
and I would recommend everyone who would like to
into IPSF public health , I was really excited to get
learn from other cultures, from pharmacy students all
an opportunity to work with in , and now I get it . I
around the globe, to take a position in IPSF and enjoy
will take this opportunity to ask all of you to spread
the IPSF spirit!
the word all around the globe , communicate with each other and start campaigning . As April will be the month of fighting against counterfeit medicine , please be ready for our huge campaign .
Public Health Spot 39
Anti Counterfeit Drugs Campaign
Dear IPSFers ,
Inside of World Health Organization
Mr. Dusan Jasovsky Current situation in reports:
Falsified Medicines issue
The building of the World Health Organization
of cases of falsified medicinal products either on
towers over all the other UN institutions in the
national or international level, involving failure of
common large park on a small hill symbolically
individuals, corruption and parasitized fraudulent
indicating health as a top priority for the
business fueled by the human hope and desire for
contemporary man, on which can then be built. The
health. Falsified medicine represents with its non-
atmosphere resembles a rather vibrant academic
exact content and therefore unpredictable safety
anthill than strict political vacuum, rather a forum for
profile the acute and even chronic health risks of an
discussion and compromises than blind following
individual.
of inoperative mechanisms. Re-elected charismatic
Counterfeit is often hardly distinguishable
Margaret Chan - current WHO Director General -
at first sight, as it is in interest of counterfeiters
is with its subtle figure, spontaneous humor and
that deficiencies will be discovered as late as
effective openness the icebreaker within frozen
possible. The improvised conditions of homemade
discussions. She applies the principles of humanity
laboratories can hardly maintain its GMP. Forgers
and solidarity in the drab world of global health
within developing countries focus on various types
diplomacy. She connects, she’s vigorous, media
of medicines, namely antiviral and antimicrobial
liken her to a ‘public health rock star’. She manages
therapy (i.e. for HIV/AIDS, antimalarial)
platform
developed countries, there is prevalent occurrence
characterized
by
uncompromising
multiculturalism and technical complexity.
In
of cases with economically interesting counterfeit
Pharmacist plays a key role in this complex process
medicines (i.e. cancer therapy, erectile dysfunction,
providing tools with feature to heal. Pharmaceutical
HIV therapy), but also with lifestyle drugs (i.e.
products, as an extended arm of medicine today,
medicines for weight loss). Exceptionally, there are
are cornerstones in improving the quality of life.
cases where falsified medicine does not contain any
Medicines carrying pharmacological information
pharmacologically active substance (i.e. Avastin -
must therefore meet all quality standards as platform
for cancer therapy; vials contained only microbes-
on which can then safety of the medicines itself be
containing opaque fluid, USA, 2012). Counterfeiters
evaluated. Challenges in global quality assurance of
get into the distribution chain through corruption
medicines – that’s the daily based agenda of WHO
at the distributor or regulator level. Cases where
Medicines Quality Assurance team formed mainly
corrupted pharmacists were involved in direct
by experts from the pharmaceutical environment.
distribution to the pharmacy were also recorded.
Failure to meet the requirements on product
Multi-distribution through several countries with
quality, in most cases, suggests the occurrence
high levels of market security should induce the
40 Public Health Spot
authenticity of the products.
and internet pharmacies without its addresses stated has
Since this problem has exceeded national and
been shown to be fraudulent and threatening the health
regional boundaries, and is now a global threat in
of the patient up to 50%. Alarming is particularly the
ensuring the quality of treatment and in the same time it
liberal attitude of the patients acquiring their medicines
lowers very important patient’s faith in the therapy, the
from uncertain sources, either for economic reasons,
United Nations Member States commit themselves to
respectively they are ashamed to visit their healthcare
establish a new mechanism. However, the difficulties of
professional with some intimate diagnosis. YES, there
the global solution rise from the diversity of the nature
is a place for pharmacists to consult patients’ proactive
of the problem itself, the uneven commitment of the
self-medication efforts and experiments!
Member States devote efforts and resources to regulate the market and elimination of corruption while lacking using the falsified/counterfeited products from dubious sources.
More
info:
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/
factsheets/fs275/en/index.html The author absolved the internship at WHO
The agenda of 65th World Health Assembly in the
Headquarters in the beginning of the year 2012. The
end of May 2012 delegated by WHO provided a space
author presents his views in the article, which may not be
for discussion about new mechanism improving
equated with those of the aforementioned institutions.
latent IMPACT (International Medical Products AntiCounterfeiting Taskforce), which stagnated due to the lobby of some developing countries in matters of vague interpretation of legislative provisions. Political commitment resulting from the Assembly determined WHO as a key player institution to delegate Member States in each step of combating the counterfeit market while providing technical support in terms of finding suitable alternatives for analysis through i.e. ‘sampling’ the market. The new mechanism thus combines strong political beliefs through which then specific technical solutions can be applied. For this reason, WHO has a team of specialists performing analytic, as well as pharmaceutical and proactive investigative requirements in order to secure medicines market and thus, by its complexity, it covers the needs of both developing and developed countries. WHO statistics inform about critical 9 - 10% global market burden by counterfeits. However, in the EU, this problem occurs only in ten-fold smaller scale which is only 1%. Some countries from Western Europe are targeted mainly because of its extensive markets and due to its strategic geographical position as the transit point for the further distribution of counterfeits. Online Stores Public Health Spot 41
Anti Counterfeit Drugs Campaign
of awareness of the possible fatal consequences of
ASEP reports:
Anti-Counterfeit Drugs Campaign in
Switzerland
The 14th of April we joined the anti-counterfeit
people and were glad to see that most of them don’t
drug campaign. To do this we hired aplace in Zurich
buy drugs on the internet. However several have
downtown to have there an information desk. We
friends who buy their drugs on the internet. Many
started at 11 a.m. and ended at 3 p.m. During this
knew that there is a potent risk on buying the drugs
period we were five people at a time. The campaign
on the internet but what the people were surprised
was a success and it was good to have some flyers
about was that 95 % of all drugs are counterfeit.
in English because there were a lot of tourists which
Just one admit that he bought drugs on the
didn’t understand German so we could gave them
internet and he told us that he became a message
the English ones. The quiz was also ready to be done
from Swiss medic in which was written that the
but it wasn’t that easy to bring the people to the desk
package was repressed and he have to pay the bill
so we preferred to approach to the people and give
for the analytical costs. After that message he just
them a flyer or refreshertowels
was angry because he didn’t understand why and so
which we got from the Pharma Suisse. While giving
he thanked us because he does know now what for
it we started a conversation. We asked the people if
it was. A pleasant thing was that a couple of people
they have bought once drugs online and gave the
told us that it is a good thing informing about such
advice that they should not buy drugs online but
an important theme.
buy drugs in the pharmacy because there one can find a competent consultation. We talked with many
42 Public Health Spot
Algeria
Aims
about the counterfeit drugs, it has allowed students
For our first participation to the anti-counterfeit
to know more about these drugs, the different sorts
drug campaign under the local theme “Counterfeit
of anti counterfeit drugs and the ingredients that
drugs = threatened lives” we have planned to achieve
can be counterfeited. The second one consisted in
some goals:
funny activities such as “balloons activity” or “candy
- Make pharmacy students familiar with the anticounterfeit drugs - Inform pharmacy students about the anticounterfeit drugs: origin, recognition… - Make pharmacy students conscious with the dangers of anti-counterfeit drugs
game”. The third one consisted in “recognition of the counterfeit drugs” by sharing pictures of the original and counterfeit drugs, the teams had to detect the differences. Finally, we proposed to each team to share their ideas and solutions in order to prevent this plague by using schemes and each team has
- Organize a workshop in order to promote the
proposed an ACDC theme for the next year. At the
exchange of ideas about this theme within pharmacy
end of the workshop, some flyers have been given
students
to participants in order to distribute them to people and apply what they have learned during all the day.
Methods and used tools/materials As an introduction to Counterfeit drugs, we have
Results
invited a local expert in anti-counterfeit drugs “the
The first ACDC Day in Algeria was a success; it
Professor Mansouri”, professor in Pharmacology and
has allowed participants to learn how to recognize
the head of the national laboratory of pharmaceutical
a counterfeit drug, to be familiar with these drugs in
products control who made a presentation about
order to prevent their spread. It has allowed them to
the topic. The presentation included the generalities
communicate, to exchange ideas about the topic by
about anti-counterfeit drugs, the actual situation in
working as a team in a funny atmosphere by using
Algeria and the measures that are taken in order to
funny methods. The participants have been satisfied
avoid this plague.
by this first campaign and suggested to reorganize it
After that and in order to make in practice what
the next year.
have been acquired in the morning, a workshop has been organized.
The organization of the activity began 10 days
We tried to learn and discover together in funny
before. The ASEPA’ Chairperson of public health
way all the necessary information about the topic.
helped by some members including the contact
We divided the students into 6 teams and we have
person.
started the activities: The first one consisted in “fill in the gaps” exercises , questions to complete and a quiz Public Health Spot 43
Anti Counterfeit Drugs Campaign
ASEPA reports:
Anti-Counterfeit Drugs Campaign in
Advertisement of the activity
pharmacy students are very interested by this topic as
The advertisement of the activity has been insured
future pharmacists and healthcare actors. This interest
by creating a Facebook even, by posters and by inviting
can be developed by introducing constant activities
pharmacy students on the ASEPA group.
about the topic such as conferences or workshops.
Budget For organizing this event, we needed: - Some posters, quiz and flyers
Our plans for next year are... In addition to what have been organized this year, we wish to add some actions:
- Balloons and candies
- Expand the campaign to other universities
- Paper and pens
- Organize a workshop by simulating a situation with
The budget was not consequent; we have organized this event with a symbolic sum of money.
Comments and ideas arising from the activity In the issue of the first anti counterfeit drugs campaign in Algeria, we discovered that people and more exactly
44 Public Health Spot
counterfeit and no counterfeit drugs and the approach that must be done.
Together against counterfeit drugs
Counterfeit dugs = threatened lives!
Sudan Anti-Counterfeit Drugs Campaign
Aims
Organisation of the activity
1) To aware pharmacy students about counterfeit
Timeline of organising the activity: 3-5 MAY 2012
drugs .
Number of students involved in organising: 30
2) Spread the word .
Advertisement of the activity:
3) To know how well the Sudanese pharmacists are
- Printed posters .
aware about this growing public health problem .
Methods and used tools/materials T-shirts contain campaign title and IPSF / FPSA logos .
- Facebook event . - Flayers . Financial supporters: University Of Khartoum – Faculty of pharmacy
Posters as advertising material .
Budget: 720 SD = 500 USD
Also using Facebook: created the social event
Experience in organising similar activities:
in the 13th of April.
- Breast cancer awareness
Results
- Anti tuberculosis awareness - Aids awareness
Many students knew for the first about the issue of counterfeit drugs and its prevalence of Counterfit Drugs.
Comments and ideas arising from the activity
The campaigners were very eager and the interaction
First line to eradicate this phenomena is by strong
made by the workshop was very motivating. Pharmacy
regulation of the supply chain and medicines’ import.
students were very excited to get more information
- Sudanese pharmacist are aware about counterfeit
about the topic . Sudanese Pharmacist were fully aware
medicine and they get their medication from reputable
about the Dangers of counterfeit medicines and were
pharmaceutical
rather confident to the national supply chain. It seems there is no counterfeit medicines in Khartoum (capital of Sudan) due to the high connection between (Sudan Puplic Medication and Poisinous Council) and pharmacies which secures well the supply chain. May be there is counterfeit drugs on towns that are far away from center but is not detected by legal Council.
companies . - We must concentrate more on pharmacy students because we felt that they were not well informed.
Our plans for next year are Raise awareness in my faculty among all students about fake drugs by inviting more professors and doctors who have a valuable experience in this field . Public Health Spot 45
Anti Counterfeit Drugs Campaign
FPSA reports:
46 Public Health Spot
Public Health Spot 47
Tobacco Awareness Campaign
ublic Heal th Pu Publ blic H ic He ealth blic H alth P e u a blic H l th Pu ublic ealth blic H Heal th Pu ealth Heal blic H th Pu ealth ealth blic H Publ e a l t h i c ic He H ealth alt 48 Public Health Spot
Mr. Bilel Boughzala
IPSF Tobacco Awareness Campaign Co-ordinator The anti-Tobacco campaign is launched every year around on May,31st showing the great efforts to stop the big evolution of this phenomena around the World.
corner of the world to remind the bad effects of smoking and share these campaigns with us.
ÂŤWhat are the measures to decrease the rate of smokersÂť is the main topic of this year. Your suggestions could be the solution !
Public Health Spot 49
Tobacco Awareness Campaign
I hope that your campaigns will be organized from time to time in every
Tobacco and the World : Tobacco is one of the most causes of death in the World. Prevalence of tobacco consumption has been studied many times during decades. In fact, smoking is generally five times higher among men than women, however the gender gap declines with younger age. In developed countries smoking rates for men have peaked and have begun to decline.Meanwhile for women they continue to climb. Smoking prevalence has changed little since the mid-1990s (until which time it declined in English-speaking countries, which have all implemented tobacco control). In Western countries, smoking is more prevalent among populations with mental health problems, with alcohol and drug problems, among criminals, and among the homeless. As of 2002, about twenty percent of young teens (13–15) smoke worldwide. 80,000 to 100,000 children begin smoking every day. Half of those who begin smoking in adolescent years are projected to go on to smoke for 15 to 20 years. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that “Much of the disease burden and premature mortality attributable to tobacco use disproportionately affect the poor”. Of the 1.22 billion smokers, 1 billion of them live in developing or transitional economies. Rates of smoking have leveled off or declined in the developed world. In the developing world, tobacco consumption is rising by 3.4% per year as of 2002;
50 Public Health Spot
Tobacco and pharmacy student : Pharmacist must be an active supporter of anti-tobacco campaigns not only by helping smokers to quit smoking but also by making non-smokers aware about the real bad effects of smoking. By this way pharmacist can be the nucleus of a network to prevent people from smoking. As future pharmacists, pharmacy students can be really effective in tobaccocampaign. In fact, their campaigns can start from their university till street, supermarket, bus stations,etc. To emphasize on our main topic this year which is ‘what are the measures to decrease the rate of smokers’ let’s start by exposing the main strategy to stop the urging evolution of smokers : Try to prevent people from taking up consumption. Promoting cessation Regulating tobacco products To know how this phenomena spreads among pharmacy students around the world, we have organised a representative survey to know : number of smokers,frequency of smoking, type of tobacco,etc. Results will be communicated after gathering all information.
Tobacco and WHO :
Republic Of Korea
« Anyone who throws away cigarette butts in The World Health Organisations has fixed any place other than a trashbin or uses any many strategies to decrease the number of tobacco product in designated smoke-free smokers all over the World : areas shall be fined a maximum of KRW 30 Measures implemented in respect to tobacco 000 by the Minor Offenses Act (Article 1). » cultivation considering the protection of the environment
India
Measures implemented in respect to tobacco cultivation considering the health of people « In view of the huge loss caused by tobacco use to the public health exchequer Measures implemented in respect to tobacco a comprehensive legislation to prohibit manufacturing considering the environment advertising and regulate production supply Measures implemented in respect to tobacco and distribution of cigarettes and tobacco manufacturing considering the health of products the Ministry of Health & Family people. Welfare adopted the comprehensive tobacco Examples of the five-year reports of some control legislation in 2003. »
Brazil « These measures are part of the Brazilian National Program to Support Diversification in Tobacco Cultivated Areas. There is a pilot project in the municipality of Don Feliciano through which different areas of Health (INCA occupational health health surveillance) Labor Agriculture and Agricultural Development Ministries are working to get data on the farmers economic work and health situation and sensitize them about the oportunities in the diversification program and all environmental damage. »
Japan «According to the Article 1 of the Ordinance of the Standard Measures for Users of Agricultural Chemicals the users of agricultural chemicals have responsibilities not to have adverse effects on the human health and the environment. »
Measures implemented in indoor Public places :
Bulgaria « When one premises is under 50 sq. m. then the owner could choose whether to allow tobacco smoking or not - it depends on his/ her decision. The ventilation is compulsory. When the premises is over - then the owner has the obligation to organize separate room with impenetrable walls solid closed doors and adequate ventilation. The same rooms are obligatory for buildings where the employer have taken decision to allow smoking. It is forbidden the smoking area to be more that the non-smoking area. It is not allowed to smoke in all kind of public places but only in: places for accommodation in some premises buildings of railway air harbour and bus stations and vessels. The smoking without separate smoking rooms is allowed only in night premises which work only between 22:00 and 6:00 hours and premises under 50 sq.m. » Public Health Spot 51
Tobacco Awareness Campaign
countries :
Finland « Please see above. As an exception to this according to the Tobacco Act Section 13 b smoking can be allowed on the indoor premises of restaurants only in a separate smoking area approved for smoking. In that can case it must however be seen to it that tobacco smoke does not spread to the area where smoking is prohibited. It is prohibited to serve food or drink or to eat or drink in the smoking area. »
New Zealand « The Smoke-free Environment Act prohibits smoking in certain public places including on all school grounds at all times. »
What are the measures that must be respected ? Prohibited or restricted tobacco sales to or imports by international travelers Tax policies to reduce tobacco cunsumption More restrictive national obligations. Protection in public transport Rise people awarness by strongly supported campaigns. Make campaigns more creative.
52 Public Health Spot
Useful links : http://www.who.int/fctc/text_download/en/index. html http://apps.who.int/fctc/reporting/ database/ http://www.who.int/gho/tobacco/en/index.html http ://tobacco.ipsf.org/ http://www.cdc.gov/ http://www.facebook.com/pages/WHO-Tobaccfree-Initiative/100643340596
“Stop Cigarette, Save Young Generation” ISMAFARSI (Indonesia)
Tobacco products are products made entirely
13% were children up to teenagers, in addition
or partly of leaf tobacco as raw material, which are
the numbers of young smokers in Indonesia also
intended to be smoked, sucked, chewed or snuffed.
increased significantly, from 2001-2004, novice
All contain the highly addictive psychoactive
smokers increased by 1.4%. For your information,
ingredient, nicotine. Tobacco use is one of the
Indonesia ranks third most smokers in the world.
main risk factors for a number of chronic diseases,
While qualified young generation is the main assets
including cancer, lung diseases, and cardiovascular
for the country, we try to save our young generation
diseases. Despite this, it is common throughout
from the danger of tobacco.
the world. A number of countries have legislation
This campaign did in many cities in Indonesia,
restricting tobacco advertising, and regulating
World No Tobacco Day is celebrated on May 31, 2012
who can buy and use tobacco products, and where
but because of the adaption to the school’s schedule
people can smoke. While in Indonesia, the legislation
so that the implementation is not on that date. At
restriction tobacco advertising and regulating is
the roadshow, we played video about the facts on
very loose. Many underage people can be exposed
cigarettes in Indonesia, powerpoint of the dangers
by tobacco, including students. Saving young
of smoking exposure and we also give anti-smoking
generation in Indonesia, Ikatan Senat Mahasiswa
sticker and poster.
Farmasi Indonesia – ISMAFARSI (Association of
We hope with the education about smoking,
Indonesian Pharmaceutical Students Council) did
students who may have been smoking want to quit
the ‘no tobacco campaign’ in schools for celebrating
smoking and students who do not smoke can keep
the world no tobacco day.
carrying on and give the ‘no tobacco’ spirit to their
“STOP
CIGARETTE,
SAVE
YOUNG
friends and family. Hopefully, this small step can
GENERATION” – is our tagline in this campaign. From
provide benefits to our young generation in order to
the total number of smokers in Indonesia, about
protect them against the dangers of smoking.
Public Health Spot 53
Tobacco Awareness Campaign
Ms. Nur Azizah Fitria reports:
Indonesia ISMAFARSI
54 Public Health Spot
Public Health Spot 55
Humanitarian Campaign
Publ ic He a l th Pu Publ b i l c i c H Heal ublic ealth t h Heal P u blic H th Pu ublic ealth blic H Heal th Pu ealth c Hea blic H lth Pu ealth ealth blic H Publ e a i lic He c Hea lth alt lth 56 Public Health Spot
Ms. Janet Janbek
Humanitarian Campaign Co-ordinator Tons of warm greetings from the Humanitarian coordinator, My name is Janet Janbek, and I’m the proud newly appointed humanitarian coordinator. I have been a part of IPSF since early 2010 as a contact person for my country’s association at the beginning (and still am). I’m in my 5th year at the Faculty of Pharmacy in Jordan. IPSF doesn’t only say “pharmaceutical” to me. It is where creativeness, kindness, learning, care, family, fun and experience happen! In the humanitarian subcommittee, academically and pharmacy-driven to create campaigns that aim to increase humanity, benefit people as well as communicate to people the importance of what we show so much interest in. We try to make campaigning a happy world that is full of opportunities for ourselves and everyone involved.
Public Health Spot 57
Humanitarian Campaign
that is what we do! We are a family that –together- works
Humanitarian Sub-Committee members answer: “because I feel a responsibility to make persistent and constructive contributions, to better the lives of others.”
I became interested in humanitarian... “due to my desire to work with low-income, loweducation, low-resource populations.”
w m
do m m to ca f
Madeline King
Sara Ammar
“because I am from a low socioeconomic country and I have seen all the hardships people have been through. I would like to contribute, to the best of my ability and simply help, offer a hand, offer support. “ Pareezat Rahman
58 Public Health Spot Public Health Spot
“As a res can do t of life o planet is and that a pa
Ca
“mainly because in my country, we don’t have much resources or opportunities. Only a minority gets good education, good health care services, good income but most of the population doesn’t and I think it’s the responsibility of every citizen to try and change this situation.”
“After my niece was diagnosed with Fanconi anemia, which precipitates Leukemia and often requires a bone marrow transplant. After researching the disease state and therapy, I confronted and overcame my fears/ misconceptions of bone marrow transplants (~80% of onations are similar to donating blood plasma!). I made it my goal to make blood, bone marrow, and organ donation more prevalent issues on my campus, and I think these opics should be present on each healthcare professional ampus as one, painless/selfless act can save a life. I look forward to hearing other students’/colleges’ ideas, and sharing my own experiences in order to prevent these issues from being overlooked.”
Myriam Yasmine Hamouda
Garrett Rompelman
aroline Small
“as a teenager after learning from my Thai family about the lack of healthcare resources in Thailand and other countries in Southeast Asia. “
Xiu-Zhen
Humanitarian Campaign
sult I think anything we to improve the quality of people around the s extremely important t is why I wanted to be art of this group.”
“Because I want to learn more about human right and try to find what pharmacy students can do between humanitarian and our profession. I also hope I can improve my capability of information integration”
Dianna Staves
“My role in global health includes coordinating 10 teams of pharmacy students to 7 different countries who will treat about 10,000 patients on interdisciplinary medical trips. We primarily focus on providing comprehensive medical and pharmacy care to resource-limited areas. Through being a member of the humanitarian sub-committee I hope to learn and gain insight into other activities going on around the world - and how pharmacy is reaching out to communities that need access to quality healthcare. “ Ken Leonard
Public Health Spot 59
Ms. Sheena Patel writes about:
Pharmabridge
A project that is part of IPSF in America. This initiative
at Makerere University in the pharmacy department
was proposed to me two years ago when I was an
did not have any books. So I made it my goal to collect
incoming first year student pharmacist. Pharmabridge
as many pharmacy textbooks as I could to provide to
allows students in America to connect with and help
these students. Over the last two years I have been
student pharmacists in other developing nations.
able to collect over 100 pharmacy textbooks. I hope
Helping these students include providing them with
to collect more in the future but for now this is a great
pharmacy resources that we in America utilize.
start. My next goal was to raise money to ship these
When I first heard about this, I was really excited to
textbooks to students at Makerere University.
work with another pharmacy and help them out in any
My professor and I researched a variety of cheap
way I could. An upperclassman told me where to look for
alternatives to get these books to Africa. The cheapest
more information and whom to contact with questions.
way turned out to be through the rotation program.
As I researched this project I learned how much of an
The students who were participating in the rotation
impact my actions can have on these students. I was
in Africa were told to bring a second suitcase. These
fortunate enough to have help from a faculty member
suitcases were then filled with many pharmacy
at Wilkes University. She offers a pharmacy rotation
textbooks and were carried onto the plane with the
in Africa and works closely with a pharmacy school in
students and flown to Africa. This was the cheapest
Uganda called Makerere University. At the start of this
alternative in the fact that it did not cost us anything
project, my goal was to find out what resources the
to put these books in the suitcase and have them be
students needed and how can I help provide them
flown to Africa with the student pharmacists.
what they need. My professor told me that the library
60 Public Health Spot
We were also able to ship a couple of textbooks via
mail to student pharmacists at Makerere University. This
another Zumba Class Fundraiser since it was a success
route was expensive even though we did raise money
last year. I hope to raise money through other alternative
to ship these textbooks. A Zumba class fundraiser was
means but for now I am glad that the students were able
held. For those of you who are not familiar with Zumba
to receive resources that can help Involved and start a
it is basically a dance that combines exercise and music
project like Pharmabridge at your pharmacy school.
in a fun manner. Many people say Zumba is the way to
Pharmabridge has allowed me to step out from my
go to have fun while exercising! This Zumba class was
boundaries and really help student pharmacists in need.
held once and enough money was raised to ship these
I am glad that I was able to get involved in such a project
textbooks to Makerere University.
and to help so many students by providing them with
Finally with this project I wanted to provide student
the basic knowledge of pharmacy. This initiative helps
pharmacists with is online resources and databases. In
me realize how fortunate I am to have an android that
today’s society we are all electronically connected. The
can allow me access to multiple drug resources. Some
best way to continue this is to provide these students with
student pharmacists all over the world do not have such
electronic means to learn about the field of pharmacy.
privileges. Having this opportunity helped me realize
These electronic resources would include information
that providing these textbooks is very beneficial to
like drug resources and up to date information on how to
students all over the world but especially at Makerere
treat patients with certain disease states. I hope one day
University. I would personally recommend to all student
I am able to provide the students at Makerere University
pharmacists all over the world to get involved in
with these resources, but as of right now I am content
Pharmabridge or start a project like this at your school.
with what I am able to provide.
You can make such an impact on a student’s life and also
So far we have sent over 40 pharmacy textbooks to
help future pharmacists, which is pretty amazing. So
student pharmacists at Makerere University. I hope to
please get involved and start a project like Pharmabridge
send more in the upcoming year but in order to do so I
at your pharmacy school.
need to raise the money. I plan on doing so by holding
Public Health Spot 61
ASEPA (Algeria) reports:
Our experience in vampire cup live campaign
This year, ASEPA Algeria participated for the first
banners and flyers about blood donation; the main
time to the vampire cup live campaign, a significant
goal was to inform people about this respectful act
public health event and a challenge for the whole
even if they were not able to donate this day.
team.
The coordinator of the event and the whole team
The first thing to do was to obtain the support
were very motivated to concretize this challenge,
of a national blood donation foundation in order
the challenge to win this competition and more
to make each blood donation official and useful for
important than this, to obtain the satisfaction to
people. The second step was to define the place of
accomplish an honorable task for all these patients
the campaign; the main goal was to choose public
that blood can save lives. The team made everything
and accessible places such as hospitals and some
possible in order to encourage people to donate
big universities of the capital in order to reach the
from 9 am to 5 pm during 4 days, it was sometimes
most possible people including all the categories of
hard but they spent a lot of memorable times and
people that can make a blood donation.
the satisfaction was finally here with 531 blood
After that, the advertisement of the event was very important. For this, we created an official Facebook
donations! Through this act, ASEPA’s team won the IPSF
Pu bli cH Pu Pub ea bli lic lth Pu c H H Pu bli ea ea bl c H lth lth ic H He ea P Pu e a u a b l t l b alt th h P lic lic lth h P Pu ub H He He ub blic lic ealt alth page especially for the campaign and invited as
vampire cup live campaign 2012 but at the same time
much people as possible, with a constant flow of
a lot of memories and proved that with motivation
information about blood donation and the details
and work, everything is possible!
of the campaign. To add more impact, a campaign material has been prepared including posters,
62 Public Health Spot
Australia NAPSA
Currently in Australia, 1 in 3 people need blood
healthy competition between the branches to see
but only 1 in 30 people donate. For every person
which branch can give the most amount of blood!
that donates blood, a single donation can help 3
NAPSA runs a competition to see which branch
different patients. For this reason, NAPSA and each
can accumulate the most donations! The winners
of its individual branches stands so strongly behind
are announced at our Annual Congress and the
such a worthwhile campaign. Our campaign is run
winners are even given a trophy! If you want to run
over 3 weeks and this suits most of our individual
Vampire Cup I would definitely recommend running
branches as it gives them time to figure out when
a competition, as it definitely helps increase the
they can advertise it the best (as we all seem to go
donations!
on uni holidays at different times!). Vampire Cup is a great opportunity for students
NAPSA loves participating in Vampire Cup and we
across Australia to participate in helping save
foresee that this great campaign will be running in
lives. It unifies the pharmacy students and ties
our Australian branches for years to come! :)
them to a good cause all the while promoting
Public Health Spot 63
Ms. Madeline King reports:
Mission trip in
Bolivia
Texas A&M HSC College of Pharmacy APhA-ASP/IPSF Liaison My first mission trip experience was traveling to
Excelencia Tecnologica en Salud (CENETEC). We
Bolivia. In 2011, I was a member of the Texas A&M
would not have been able to plan and execute the
Health Science Center Inter-professional Mission of
trip without the help of these groups. The pharmacy
Service team. I loved the experience and the people
in our clinic had many medications left over from our
so much that I decided to return in 2012. I had a
trip in 2011 as well as other missionary groups, so we
better idea of what to expect the second time and
were able to see patients and dispense medications
was able to help other students prepare for the trip.
while waiting for our supplies to arrive.
Before the trip this year, each member was asked
The first morning, many residents of the local
to take a cultural competency online course through
village welcomed us with singing and hand-made
the Institute for International Medicine (INMED) to
wreaths. We also had the opportunity to take a tour
help prepare for the culture shock that comes along
of Quesimpuco guided by the president of CENETEC,
with traveling to an area that has such different living
who was born there. We attended a church service
conditions and beliefs. The course was very helpful
with the members of the community and their new
and pointed out some ideas that I hadn’t considered,
pastor. The high school students then performed
even during my first trip. It helped to make me more
a traditional dance for us as a thank you, and gave
conscious of my own beliefs and actions.
each of us a scarf and hat.
Unfortunately, we had trouble at the start of our
After the ceremony, we began work in the clinic.
trip. We had problems going through customs at
Each doctor was assigned a room and the dental
the airport in La Paz and were unable to take any
team used two rooms to provide cleanings and
of the medications we brought or our medical
extractions. The pharmacy room consisted of a
or dental equipment.
After more than 24 hours
table that we used to prepare the prescriptions and
of traveling via planes and SUVs, our team of
many shelves of medications and other medical
health care professionals and students
arrived
supplies. We set up a table right outside the door to
safely in the small, remote village of Quesimpuco,
the pharmacy where we dispensed the medications
Bolivia. Members included students and faculty
to the patients and counseled them on their
from the Colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry,
medications. Most of the older members of the
Pharmacy, and Public Health.
We were guided
village didn’t speak Spanish well, if at all; the native
and accompanied by members of Servants in Faith
language is Quechua, which is an Incan language
and Technology (SIFAT) and Centro Nacional de
and doesn’t resemble Spanish. The local high school
64 Public Health Spot
students learn Spanish in school so they were able to
the physician, and were each allowed approximately
translate our instructions from Spanish to Quechua for
5 minutes to state their most troublesome issue. The
patients who didn’t speak Spanish. We could not have
physician diagnosed the chief complaint and sent them
effectively counseled many members of the community
directly to the pharmacy with a slip of paper which
without their help and were very grateful for them.
contained only the names of the medications they
Many of the disease states we treated were some form
needed. We pre-packaged vitamins and some analgesic
of infectious disease, such as parasites and skin infections.
and anti-inflammatory medications to give to every
It would be difficult to treat chronic conditions like
patient, in addition to any specific medication that the
hypertension because there is not always someone there
physician requested
to dispense medications, and there wouldn’t always
After we closed the clinic on the last day, our team
be a way to obtain the proper medications. There is a
was very exhausted but it was a rewarding experience,
government-run hospital in the village which provides
especially because so many patients and leaders from
low-cost medical care and medications, but some people
the community expressed their gratitude toward our
still can’t afford the care, so that is how mission groups
team. Each member of our team was an integral part of
like ours fill the gap. We are able to provide medications
the mission and we could not have operated effectively
and information with no charge.
or efficiently if even one discipline was missing. The
While counseling patients on their medications, I tried
pharmacy team was beneficial to the mission group
to keep in mind that the patients I saw were not familiar
because we were trained on how to properly counsel
with safety caps or how to use an inhaler. I frequently
patients. Our College of Pharmacy also offers a pharmacy
asked them to show me how to use the medications so
Spanish course, which two of us had taken, and was very
that I was sure they understood the procedure. I also
beneficial. Overall the trip was an amazing, rewarding, and
with the culture, what would be the best way to explain
educational experience.
certain topics to patients so that they would get the
Quechua people and more about medicine due to
most benefit from the counseling session.
working so closely with professionals in other health
After two and a half days of running the clinic in
I learned more about the
disciplines.
Quesimpuco, we took a four-hour SUV trek to a village that was only 30 miles away, called Futina. There was a newly built clinic there, and a local doctor practices there occasionally. Since a mission group hadn’t been to Futina before, there was a great need for medical care. People walked many miles from neighboring villages to come to the clinic for medical attention. We spent two and a half days there providing care and were still not able to see every single patient. Near the end of the last clinic day, seeing that there were still many patients waiting in line outside of our facility, some members of our team made the decision to keep the clinic open late and see the last patients as quickly as possible. . Patients went to the nursing station and then
Public Health Spot 65
Humanitarian Campaign
asked members of SIFAT or CENETEC, who were familiar
ATEP (Tunisia) reports:
STOP Violence Against Women!
On the 8th of November, the Humanitarian
certainly the “Make-Up Corner”: female students
committee in collaboration with the Public Health
would go in and be turned into battered women by
committee of ATEP (Association Tunisienne des
a make-up artist. They would then walk around with
Etudiants en Pharmacie) along with the National
their shocking looks( black eyes, blood flowing from
Office of Family and Population organized a
their lips, marks of beating on their faces…) making
campaign about violence against women. The idea
people wonder what was going on and come to ask
of the campaign came to us while planning the
for more details.
program of the year, we noticed that the National Office of Family and Population was working on
At the end of the campaign, a conference and a
this problem and when we searched for more
debate were held by Professor Yamina Mathlouthi
information, we found out that in Tunisia, this
who teaches at the Higher Institute of Childhood
subject is not only a matter of violation of human
and is also a painter who has made many exhibitions
rights but it’s also a public health issue.
on violence against women. She talked about how this problem can affect the family and especially the
The campaign took place inside of the faculty. A
children who often find themselves helpless in front
special area was provided that we decorated with
of such difficult circumstances. She also mentioned
black curtains and posters with quotes related
the impact of this kind of violence on society and
to the subject. The different types of violence
the consequences on each and everyone.
were discussed: physical violence which is most common but also psychological, sexual, economical violence were talked over. There were projections
The main goal of the campaign was not to just
of videos, music on the background celebrating
raise awareness about this issue but also to talk
the glory of women, brochures containing all the
about the possible solutions (where to go, who to
needed information... In the middle of the day,
talk to, what to do...).
we surprised everyone with a play performed by
We never thought that such a difficult issue could
a bunch of students. They exposed how violence
be approached this way. Another proof that the best
against women is still something you can’t easily talk
way to educate is definitely shocking!
about in a country like Tunisia and how a woman confronted to this situation often finds herself alone and too ashamed to stand up for herself. However, the biggest success of the day was
66 Public Health Spot
VIVA ATEP! VIVA LA PHARMACIE
Public Health Spot 67
68 Public Health Spot
STOP Violence
Against Women!
Public Health Spot 69
Medicine Awareness Campaign
ublic Heal th Pu Publ blic H ic He ealth blic H alth P e u a blic H l th Pu ublic ealth blic H Heal th Pu ealth Heal blic H th Pu ealth ealth blic H Publ e a l t h i c ic He H ealth alt 70 Public Health Spot
The World of Generic Drugs
In order to produce a generic version of the brand
generic drugs are counterfeit medicines, are being
name drug, interested manufacturers must wait for
passed on, leading to the fear of using generic drugs.
patent expiration of the brand name drug, which
Therefore, it is of pivotal importance that generic
usually lasts for about 20 years. When their application
drug awareness must be increased across the globe
is approved, generic drugs have to undergo a series
so that patients are able to clear out all their doubts
of stringent tests to ensure both the brand name
about these drugs. Image from www.fda.gov
and generic drug are bioequivalent to each other.
Now, how does generic drug play a role in
Despite the FDA’s persistent Quality and quantity are
helping to reduce cost of healthcare? The reason
two important criteria that everyone looks for when
lies in the much cheaper cost of generic drugs. The
it comes to healthcare. Patients wish to get the best,
huge decrease in price compared to branded drug
effective treatment at a cost they can afford. However,
is because the generic manufacturers bear only part
with new drugs being invented, better formulas
of the cost of researches and clinical trials during
being created and sophisticated technologies
drug development process. Simply put, by imitating
contributing to modern healthcare, one might think
the recipe of the original drug, they can skip all the
that everything is expensive in the medical world.
hassle of inventing a new drug and just spend a
Now, this is when generic drugs come into play.
small amount of money on mass producing generic
First of all, let’s clear up all the confusion about
versions of the drugs. Besides that, there will be more
brand name drug and generic drugs. A brand name
than one company producing the generic versions of
drug is the original drug created by a manufacturer,
the same branded drug. This means stiff competition
for example, Panadol®. United States Food and
among the manufacturers which eventually drives
Drug Administration (FDA) defines generic drug as
the price down. Patients can rest assured that the
a duplicate of the brand name drug, in which their
cheaper price of generic drugs is not because of low
dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration,
quality of the drug.
quality, performance characteristics and intended use
The future of generic drug is a very bright one. The
are identical to each other. Hence, the only difference
reliance on generic drug means a reduction in financial
could be the inactive ingredients used such as
burden on patients, especially those suffering from
colouring and flavouring agents, preservatives, etc.
chronic diseases. As all parties strive for an affordable
effort to ensure safety and efficacy of generic drugs,
healthcare to cater for the ever increasing number
barriers to generic drug use still exist. Many patients
of patients, generic drug industry is set to bloom for
still think twice when they are being prescribed with
years to come. With that said, let’s keep our fingers
generic drugs. The reasons behind this are the lack
crossed that all of us will keep an open mind towards
of information and worse, false information being
these humble drugs.
circulated around about generic drugs. False rumours stating that generic drug cause harm to patients, that
References: 1. http://www.fda.gov 2. Hassali MA, Thambyappa J, Shafie AA, Ibrahim MI, Awang R et al. What you should know about generic medicines. Malaysia. Universiti
Public Health Spot 71
Medicine Awareness Campaign
Ms. Hui Ling, Hah
Mr. Islam Mohamed Alwakeel writes about:
MAC and developing countries
Being from a developing country make me so
although this is extremely wrong. Flu is completely
interested to write in this topic. The culture of using
different from common cold! We have to change our
drugs is a critical that we have to spread and share it
minds to overcome this problem; as many people are
everywhere especially to those who live in developing
not professional by any means to deal with diseases
countries where this culture almost does not exist. So,
and illness. Changing their lifestyle is the first measure
it`s important to give it our care. I have to be objective
to improve their adherence to correct monitoring and
in judging this issue.
responding to a disease or illness
Living in it, we have to change a bit!
“Refer to Physician” is not a shameful expression
Do not get annoyed, I come from a developing
Regarding us as pharmacists, we have a great role
country just like you but as an IPSFer, I am used to face
concerning this problem. While being at my school, I
my problems by solving and eliminate it.
attended a lecture about “Community Pharmacy” and
The reasons of these problem are so many. One of the reason is poverty. Poverty here isn’t financial but
one of my colleagues asked the Professor “why do we use (Refer to physician) a lot?”
we are poor in the culture of using drugs. Besides,
The professor then answered him “It’s a matter
our governments do not support our health care
of proficiency to know where is your limit to avoid
matters completely. On the other hand, the problem
unhappy consequences”
arises because of us -we, pharmacists- as health care
I think it`s not a defect in for the pharmacist to
providers. In these the countries in which we are
say this expression as everyone is professional in his
talking about, the people want to save their money
specialty. We are professionals in using the drugs,
so they refer themselves directly to the nearest
physicians are so professional too in diagnosis
pharmacist or self-therapy. By not going to the
so it’s not your primary task to diagnose and this
physician, they lose much rather than saving some
makes “Refer to physician” is a critical choice for the
money.
pharmacist when he reach his limit and the patient
Self-therapy is not suitable in most cases and
needs accurate diagnosis. As pharmacists, we should
inappropriate treatment will exacerbate the illness
collaborate more with the physicians as all of us work
and might lead to a critical conditions.
for one goal provide people with a better healthcare
For example, drugs have so many side effects when
system. We have to set this culture and spread it in our
taken in different quantities or when symptoms are
society from position in the community pharmacy,
not present. In addition, antibiotics are used by
home and everywhere. I think that this is one of our
ordinary people to treat minor diseases as cold
roles as pharmacists and IPSFers.
72 Public Health Spot
Public Health Spot 73
Mr. Frank Kumi writes about:
Stay Safe: Insist on Talking to Your Pharmacist
Registered Pharmacist (R.Ph.) Member, Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGh) The role of the modern pharmacist has evolved from just filling up prescriptions, compounding, and selling medicines to a more patient-centred orientation. In fact, contemporary training of pharmacists recognizes the need to train pharmacists to deliver direct patient care for the improvement of health outcomes. Of note, is the recently extended period of training pharmacy graduates from 4 years to 6 years at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in consultation with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGh) and the Pharmacy Council of Ghana. Such a seismic change in pharmacy training is envisaged to ensure that the country’s new breeds of pharmacists are at par with their counterparts from developed countries and are also well equipped to face the ever dynamic world of drug therapy. Careful observations have revealed that Ghanaians are poorly utilizing the professional expertise of pharmacists working in hospitals and the various community pharmacies scattered across the country. A confluence of factors has contributed to such a worrying observation. This dismal situation can mainly be attributed to the brazen violation of the Pharmacy Act 489 by both private hospitals as well as government hospitals. The Pharmacy Act 489 (passed in 1994 to ensure public safety and high standards of pharmaceutical services) explicitly prohibits any person to operate a pharmacy/dispensary without the supervision of a registered pharmacist.
74 Public Health Spot
In sharp contrast to this law, most private hospitals and government hospitals are operating pharmacies without the supervision of pharmacists to ensure patients safety and optimum benefits in using medications. Although the Pharmacy Act bestows a legal mandate upon the Pharmacy Council to enforce strict compliance with the provisions of the pharmacy law, human and financial resources, coupled with logistical constraints are making it difficult for the Council to effectively discharge regulatory duties. Regardless of these challenges, the public has a right and an obligation to receive quality pharmaceutical services from any pharmaceutical outlet in this country. Insisting on pharmaceutical services delivered by a highly skilled and trained pharmacist at the pharmacy is a guaranteed step of achieving such an objective. Pharmacists provide invaluable treatment and medication counselling to clients as a way of ensuring that optimum benefits are derived from medications and treatment whiles minimizing the potential side effects associated with the use of medicines. Some medicines have special instructions that come with them and therefore have to be faithfully obeyed. Failure in knowing and following these pieces of advice may result in sub-optimal treatment and ultimately leading to treatment failure. Take for example a medicine called omeprazole, commonly prescribed for treating stomach ulcer. The oral form of this medicine has to be taken before meals because of its intrinsic mechanism of action. If you fail to heed to the pharmacist’s advice that your medication “should
be swallowed at least 30mins before meals,” chances are that you will miss out on the efficacy of this anti-ulcer drug. Apart from providing you with special pieces of medication counselling points, your pharmacist is also well trained in disease management to proffer relevant lifestyle changes to compliment your medications in order to achieve your treatment goals faster. Lifestyle changes evidenced to improve and manage chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, gout, etc would be gladly provided by the pharmacist at no extra cost at all. Unlike seeing your doctor, neither special appointment nor queue is needed before you can see a pharmacist. Even though pharmacists are not systematically trained to diagnose diseases, they are able to offer advice about minor ailments, such as coughs, colds, cold sores and general aches and pains in accordance with established laws. Ghanaians are accordingly encouraged to talk to a pharmacist about any health topic. Many pharmacies do allocate private consulting area for this special purpose. Since pharmacists obtain extensive erudition on drugs during their period of pharmacy education and training, they are in the best position to advice on how to store medications. Proper storage conditions are needed to ensure that the potency of medicines are not lost--but kept intact to prevent treatment failure. Essential advice such as keeping medicines in their original container; keeping heat sensitive drugs in the appropriate part of the refrigerator; proper cabinet for keeping medicines etc will all be delivered by the pharmacist. It is also important to get to know from a pharmacist that whether a new prescription written for you by your doctor does not contain drugs that could significantly affect one another or might not profoundly interact with any other medicine you are currently taking. In furtherance, pharmacists are best situated to avert any catastrophic circumstances whereby a medicine written for you could worsen or degenerate any of your previous or new ailment. Similarly it is always good to know from your pharmacist whether you should avoid certain foods while taking your medicines. Research has led to the identification of a number of food-drug interactions of clinical significance. In late 2012, a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal observed that “the number of drugs which had serious side effects with grapefruit had gone from 17 in 2008 to 43 in 2012.” In similar vein, certain medications—especially antibiotics—should not be
concurrently taken with milk otherwise the drug will be poorly absorbed; eventually leading to poor control of that particular infection. However, relying on the professional competencies of a pharmacist will definitely prevent the occurrence of such unwanted circumstances because they are the best port of call to let you know how your diet may affect your medication. Pregnancy and lactation are dainty situations which could easily be complicated by certain medicines. Since most drugs are not tested in pregnancy or breastfeeding prior to their approval, it is difficult—even for health professionals—to vouch for their safety in these special conditions. It has been established that some drugs— including common pain killers—can cause serious birth defects or delay labour. Pregnant women and lactating mothers should therefore always talk to their doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine that they need. Adopting this practice is a safety measure for the unborn or breastfeeding baby. You also need to know the side effects associated with the medicines you are about to take. Knowing beforehand the side effects of a medicine could enhance medication compliance as the pharmacist may advise on measures that need to be taken to mitigate any unwanted effects that will likely occur. Next time you find yourself in a pharmacy, ask your pharmacist what the side effects of your medicines are and when they might begin to occur. What should you do if they occur? Lastly, it is important to establish a relationship with one pharmacy so that your pharmacist has a complete history of your prescribed medications. If you visit a pharmacy which has no pharmacist, as a safety measure for your life, you have the right as a patient to seek the services of another pharmacy which has a pharmacist present. You can even take it further by reporting it to the Pharmacy Council or the professional body of pharmacists in this country, PSGh. It is against the laws of this country to operate a pharmacy without the physical presence of a pharmacist at any point in time. In summary, there is a great deal of benefit you stand to gain by interacting with a pharmacist as the role (both clinical and non-clinical) of the pharmacist in healthcare delivery certainly goes beyond what has been elaborated in this piece. Your pharmacist is an important resource when it comes to your safety in medication usage.
Mr. Kheloud Mahmoud Youness reports:
Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign
ASPSA (Alexandria Scientific Pharmaceutical Students Association), Egypt
Breast cancer is one of most widespread diseases. It is the most common cancer in women worldwide,
such as early menarche, late menopause and late age at first childbirth .
comprising 16% of all female cancers. This motivated
Exogenous hormones.
ASPSA (Alexandria Scientific Pharmaceutical Students
Oral contraceptives and hormone replacement
Association “Egypt�) to do the campaign.
therapy.
We started out by preparing our members for the
Fourth: Prevention of breast cancer by making
campaign by a session that included a presentation
some lifestyle modifications such as a healthy diet,
given by the chairperson of public health and
physical activity, breast feeding and control of alcohol
the activity Mr. Mustafa Kamal. The presentation
intake. These modifications could have an impact on
contained the key messages necessary to increase
reducing the incidence of breast cancer on the long
the awareness of the public on breast cancer, which
term.
were: First: Breast cancer is the top cancer attacking
The session also included training the members
women worldwide and is increasing particularly in
how to communicate with the public and deliver the
developing countries.
message professionally and nicely.
Second: Early detection remains the cornerstone of breast cancer control.
At ASPSA, when we start preparing for a campaign, we focus on how to reach the target group of people
Third: Some of the important risk factors are:
which, in a breast cancer awareness campaign, would
A familial history of breast cancer.
be women between 20 and 50 years of age. However,
Prolonged exposure to endogenous estrogens,
this year, we thought to spread out the awareness
76 Public Health Spot
more widely and profoundly and since prevention is
treatment to more than 120 people in one day. Our day
better than cure, we decided, that our target group
at the club showed us how much the community trusts us
shouldn’t comprise only of women, but also children and
as pharmacists. I, personally, experienced that trust when
teenagers, to provide them with the sort of knowledge
a woman came to me and told me she suspected having
that would protect them, and most likely their children in
breast cancer but her doctor dismissed it and told her she
the future. From there came the idea of going to schools
was fine, but still she was worried, so she trusted me as a
and so our first stop was El-Quds language school, where
pharmacist to ask for advice. That made me so happy and
we gave a presentation about the disease to 25 students
proud of being a pharmacy student.
of ages 15 to 18 years, in addition to the school’s teachers.
Knowing how the community respects and trusts us,
Another group of 120 students received a file with all the
we headed for our next and last stop, the Campus of
information they need to know about breast cancer. The
Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University. Our campus is
audience was very much responsive and interested in the
the most important site for all of our campaigns. Our aim
subject.
was to deliver the information to the maximum number
Certainly our main target was the people at risk, so our
of students, pharmacists of the future, so that they can
next stop was Alexandria Sporting Club, one of the oldest
spread it in return to the maximum number of patients.
social and sports clubs in Alexandria. The club was a great
We reached about 200 students and flyers were also
opportunity for us to reach women of different age groups.
handed. Our goal is to help pharmacy students to always
Even some men were interested to hear about the subject.
be worth the community’s trust.
Fifteen of our members were able to raise awareness both
The success of the campaign is of course contributed
orally and by handing out flyers, containing the basic
to the great team spirit and the hard work of our board
information about breast cancer and its diagnosis and
members.
Public Health Spot 77
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International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation PO BOX 84200 2508 AE Den Haag The Netherlands Tel: +31 70 302 1992 Fax: +31 70 302 1999 Email: ipsf@ipsf.org Website: www.ipsf.org
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