[procaare] Pharmacists' role in managing sexually transmitted infections - Ghana

[Graham Neilsen <gneilsen@fhibkk.org>]

Pharmacists' role in managing sexually transmitted infections:
policy issues and options for Ghana
Mayhew S, Nzambi, K et al.

Health Policy and Planning. 2001;16(2):152-160.

The debate about extending the role of pharmacists in health care is growing in
recognition of the ongoing difficulties experienced by many public sector services. The
perceived accessibility and confidentiality of pharmacists makes them particularly
attractive to patients for the management of health problems such as sexually transmitted
infections (STIs) that may lead to stigmatisation.
Despite growing interest in the subject, there are few documented analyses the role of
pharmacists in low-income countries. In Ghana, pharmacists are acknowledged by the
government to be the preferred option for people seeking treatment for STIs.

A study was conducted to investigate the current role played pharmacists in Greater Accra
Region in the management of STI. On the basis of these findings, training schemes were
developed, implemented and evaluated. This paper presents the findings of this operation
research and considers their implications for deciding to what extent and in what way
pharmacists should be involved in managing STI in Ghana and other similar country
settings.

These findings suggest that pharmacists have a crucial role in effective management of
STI, particularly in the management of urethral discharge. They may need to limit their
management of genital ulcer to referring customers to laboratories and medical
practitioners.
They also represent a currently under-utilised opportunity preventive activities.
Regulation and quality assurance issues need to be addressed by both pharmacy and medical
professions.

Source: Reproductions.  Issue 6 August, 2001
JSI (UK)

Cross-posted from: Sexual and Reproductive Health Yahoo Group

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