Community Pharmacists expanding access to diagnosis, care and treatment of HIV/AIDS and TB in Nigeria

Background                    

World Health Organization describes community pharmacists (CPs) as health professionals that are most accessible to the public in most countries. In Nigeria, CPs are usually the first point of call for those in need of healthcare services, presenting an opportunity for early interventions. Howard University, Pharmacists And Continuing Education Center (HU-PACE) is a core partner in ‘Strengthening Integrated Delivery of HIV/AIDS Services’ (PEPFAR funded project through USAID) with the mandate to strengthen pharmacy systems and services in health facilities and communities. With >3 million Nigerians living with HIV and a TB case detection rate of 17%, HU-PACE, working with Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) implemented community-based interventions to reduce HIV/TB burden in Nigeria.

Methods

CPs were enrolled and trained in HIV Testing and Counselling (HTC), Community TB Care and Pharmaceutical Care using standard curricula. Services provided include HTC; HIV care (preventive, clinical and supportive), screening and referral of presumptive TB cases, linkages, community mobilization and targeted outreaches.

Results    

HTC was provided for 5383 persons in 98 community pharmacies with positive clients linked for further management. Routine TB screening/referral was provided by 63 CPs and Patent Medicine Vendors in 4 LGAs with 6407 presumptive TB cases identified, 1096 sputum positive and 999 persons supported on treatment. HIV minimum care was assessed by 3129 persons from 41 community pharmacies.

Conclusion 

Community Pharmacists can promote early detection, access to treatment and continuum of care in HIV and TB. This opportunity should be utilized to improve the health of the population.