The Independent Community Pharmacy Association (or ICPA), a national body which represents the largest pool of independent pharmacies in South Africa endorses a healthy approach to managing this disease. "Many of our member pharmacies provide HIV/Aids education and testing, with the counselling that goes with the process. Importantly, the pharmacist provides and monitors the medication," says Sham Moodley, ICPA Chairperson.
"Access to a pharmacy, especially in the rural communities, plays a vital role in our country's continued battle against the HIV/Aids pandemic. Pharmacists have a sound knowledge of precautionary and post-diagnoses healthcare, always with a firm focus on primary health. This makes the community pharmacy a pivotal healthcare facility," says Sham.
Toni Zimmerman has been HIV positive for 21 years and is a firm believer in the role that community pharmacy has to play in the management of HIV. "They have helped me to stay healthy and keep my immune system CD4 count high," she says. "I visit my pharmacist monthly to renew my script and to discuss the side-effects of the ARVs or possible contraindications of any other medications I might be taking."
Zimmerman is also well aware of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet.
"I rely on my pharmacist's knowledge of the supplements and natural products which I can use with the ARVs to ensure that I stay healthy."
The clinic services available at many community pharmacies offer access to cost-effective medical care with a specific focus on primary health.
"They play a crucial role in my HIV treatment and help me to live as healthy as possible," says Zimmerman. "I feel so good and thankful that I even celebrated living with HIV for the last 21 years with a proper party recently!"
