The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 274 No 7354 p751
18 June 2005

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CPA calls for pharmacy involvement to achieve UN goals

Pharmacists must be formally involved in the planning and delivery of health services if the United Nations Millennium Development Goals that aim to reduce child mortality, improve maternal health and combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases are to be achieved, according to Grace Allen Young, president of the Commonwealth Pharmaceutical Association.

In a message to pharmacists to mark Commonwealth Pharmacy Day on 16 June, Mrs Young said: “The Commonwealth Pharmaceutical Association urges pharmacists to recognise that these health targets involve us all. Patients are relying on us to be informed about best pharmaceutical practice that can contribute in a meaningful way to their health status, which will ultimately affect the achievement of ‘the goals’. The Commonwealth Pharmaceutical Association also encourages policy makers to involve pharmacists in the surveillance and decision-making necessary to ensure macroeconomic development.”

Commonwealth Pharmacy Day is recognised annually on 16 June in the 42 countries that are members of the Commonwealth Pharmaceutical Association. The aim of the association is to encourage pharmacists to reflect on their role in health care and take steps to enhance the services offered to patients.