Accra, Aug. 7, GNA- The Commonwealth Pharmacists Association (CPA) on Friday called on their colleague health professionals worldwide, to be alert of the current potential threats to the welfare and safety of their patients.

The CPA also called for collaborative planning for the reduction of risk and management of disasters and crises. This was contained in a communiqu=E9 issued by the association, at the end of an annual meeting in Accra on the theme: "Managing Threats and Crises: The vital role of pharmacy in an unstable world." The conference coincided with the 74th Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana annual conference. The communiqu=E9 noted that natural and man-made threats and crises and systematic failures are increasingly common features of the modern world.

It said the dangers they pose had radical and damaging effects on the health and welfare of large populations, with children particularly exposed, especially in developing countries. "Deficiencies and inequalities in human rights and in the provision of basic resources, services and opportunities, contribute significantly to global diseases and premature death." The communiqu=E9 said tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, malaria, pandemic viral infections, cancer, heart disease and lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension and obesity as well as tobacco use, natural disasters; illegal drug trafficking and unregulated use of medicines created many challenges globally. Members of the CPA reaffirmed their commitment to the universal declaration of human rights in view of global food shortages, water, shelter, poor sanitation, lack of education, access to healthcare and medicines.

The communiqu=E9 said pharmacists, distributed throughout the globe were well-placed to perceive, assess, and manage risks. The CPA pledged to work actively with patients and communities to improve on health through education, public health initiatives, community development and advocacy. The pharmacists expressed commitment to work actively to ensure the progressive realisation of the rights of the child, including the right of access to health care services and high quality essential medicines.

The communiqu=E9 said: " Pharmacists in industry bear key responsibility for providing safe, efficacious and affordable medicines of quality, in their daily relationships and activities." "In developing their vision of a better world all pharmacists should take leadership in many aspects of reducing risk and improving health throughout the Commonwealth and beyond." 0