The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 275 No 7367 p330
17 September 2005

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Shortage of pharmacists in Africa for HIV/AIDS treatment

A year-long FIP survey of health professionals in Africa for the International Pharmaceutical Federation has revealed a critical shortage of pharmacists in most African countries with a high burden of HIV/AIDS.

In Central, Eastern and Southern Africa, where the rate of infection varies between 10 and 39 per cent, the ratio of pharmacist to HIV patients needing antiretroviral treatment ranges from 625 to 3,600 patients per pharmacist.

FIP president Jean Parrot said: “More importance must be given to the education and capacity building of health professionals and to incentives for pharmacists to practise pharmacy and to remain in their countries of origin, where they are most needed.”

The full text of the study can be accessed on the FIP website.