The global epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which has become a significant threat to human health and development, is expected to be the main focus of Pharmacists in Botswana during their Pharmacy week.
President of Pharmaceutical Society of Botswana (PSB), Scott Senwelo, said, “Unless we urgently address the burden of NCDs in our country the dramatic increase will continue, claiming many lives.”
Non communicable diseases, now the world leading killer, have become a major threat to human life as they kill more than HIV and AIDS.
“Non communicable diseases that include, cardio- vascular cancer, Diabetes, high blood pressure are killing people in our country,” he said.
Senwelo said the government has to engage the pharmacy professional body, in order to ensure that their contribution to combating non-communicable diseases is maximized.
Further, he said the management of these diseases relies on access to and appropriate use of quality, safe, accessible, affordable, essential medicines. “Clearly, this cannot be accomplished without making use of the knowledge, skills and experience of pharmacists in all countries. Pharmacists form an integral part of our healthcare team,” he said.
He highlighted that non-communicable diseases affect life quality of patients and increase burdens of the healthcare system.
Prevention and management of non-communicable diseases has become a global priority. At the recently held United Nations High-Level Meeting on Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), world leaders reached a consensus that NCDs pose a direct and escalating threat to the continued economic development of low and middle income countries.
The major non?communicable diseases are linked to common risk factors, namely tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity. Management relies on access to and appropriate use of quality, safe, accessible, affordable, essential medicines.
In addition, he said PSB is launching the first ever Pharmacy journal.
The journal is dedicated to promote the profession of pharmacy and the functions of pharmacists.
“It is meant to extend services to the public and inform them about all the issues on drugs and drug use,” said Senwelo.
PSB is set to host the President of the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association during the launch of the Botswana Pharmacy Journal, at the same time they will be holding the Botswana Pharmacy Week.
He said pharmacists have a special role to play in overall patient care. He also called on members to continue professional development.
