Private-sector retail drug outlets (drug stores, pharmacies, chemists, drug sellers) are often the first point of contact for common health issues such as cough and fever, which include symptoms for tuberculosis (TB). Pharmacies are a key ally in supporting people with TB symptoms to receive appropriate and high-quality information, testing and treatment, either through referrals or links with healthcare providers. A study concluded that PPM pharmacy models are needed to End TB as well as to address antimicrobial resistance crisis. Over the last two decades, the role of retail drug outlets has evolved from pilot projects to formal incorporation into country plans (see webinar on Understanding market performance: analysis of private sector TB Drug sales).
There are many models of engaging pharmacies with government TB programs, often through intermediary organizations (Some of these models were presented in a TBPPM Webinar Pharmacies and drug stores: finding people with TB and stepping up TB Care and additional models are outlined in our TBPPM Feature stories and in this article reviewing 19 country lessons).
Yet, to date there are few specific guidelines and practical tools available on TB for pharmacists. As a result, an Infographic “Managing cough in pharmacies” was developed together with key partners, including the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), with background outlined in BMJ Global Health (2023) and publicly made available in mid 2023.
This document is available in the following languages:
