The Hague • 9 November 2020
A handbook to support pharmacists in preventing, controlling, managing and treating vector-borne diseases is published today by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). Some of these diseases, such as malaria and dengue, previously confined to tropical and subtropical areas, are now spreading to new regions due to climate change, increased global travel and migration, global trade, deforestation and unplanned urbanisation, and FIP is encouraging pharmacists to take a more active role in their prevention and management.
“Vector-borne diseases account for nearly one fifth of all infectious diseases and cause over 700,000 deaths every year. In addition to their health burden, their economic impact is enormous, especially so because they disproportionately affect the world’s poorest countries, particularly in Africa, the Americas and South-East Asia,” said FIP president Mr Dominique Jordan.
The new publication, “Vector-borne diseases: A handbook for pharmacists”, produced in collaboration with the Pharmaceutical Forum of the Americas, provides an overview of vector-borne diseases and the actions that pharmacists can take. It covers:
• Education on prevention methods;
• Advice on the use of repellents;
• Compounding of mosquito repellents;
• Improving vaccination coverage;
• Optimising adherence to treatments; and
• Reducing social stigma.
“Combating vector-borne diseases is fundamental for achieving many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Most of these diseases are preventable and pharmacists are ideally placed to support communities and patients in protecting themselves. We hope this handbook will be of great value to pharmacists all around the world,” Mr Jordan said.
Notes for editors
Translations of the handbook into French, Portuguese and Spanish are in progress. Follow FIP on social media (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook) for news of their release.
Link “Vector-borne diseases: A handbook for pharmacists” is available here.
About FIP The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) is the global federation of national associations of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists, and is in official relations with the World Health Organization. Through our 146 member organisations, we represent over four million practitioners and scientists around the world. Our vision is a world where everyone benefits from access to safe, effective, quality and affordable medicines and pharmaceutical care. www.fip.org
PRESS CONTACT
Lin-Nam Wang
Head of Corporate Communications & Advocacy
Email linnam@fip.org
Tel +31 70 302 1979