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Pfizer and SA government extend Diflucan partnership programme
Department of Health and Pfizer Press Release. 14 October 2002.
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As we approach World AIDS Day and the second Anniversary of the Diflucan Partnership Programme (DPP), the Ministry of Health and Pfizer have concluded an agreement to extend the Programme indefinitely.
Diflucan, an anti-fungal, is used to treat two opportunistic infections commonly associated with HIV/AIDS - cryptococcal meningitis and oesophageal candidiasis. These conditions, afflicting the brain and the oesophagus respectively, are capable of causing life-threatening complications for HIV/AIDS patients with depleted immune systems. The Diflucan treatment has thus far brought relief to thousands of South Africans in the public sector who would otherwise not be able to access the medicine.
"Pfizer, has distributed over 1.5 million free doses of Diflucan, processed 50 800 scripts and trained over 10 000 healthcare professionals on the Programme - reaching 317 hospitals," says Mohand Sidi Said, *JAALA President, Pfizer Inc.
One of the key components of the donation programme is the training provided to pharmacists, doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals who are involved in the programme's delivery. It provides vital skills transfer through comprehensive training in the proper use of Diflucan and in overall best care practices for HIV/AIDS patients.
"The Diflucan Partnership has grown and developed into a valuable programme. We are pleased that it is being extended in this way. The programme has not only benefited South Africans living with AIDS, but has also resulted in excellent additional training for our healthcare professionals in the treatment and management of several opportunistic infections," comments Health Minister, Dr. Manto Tshabalala-Msimang.
Advocate Patricia Lambert, Legal Advisor to the Minister of Health and Chairperson of the DPP Ministerial Working Group adds: "The extension of this programme will be welcomed by all the healthcare professionals who are currently involved in it. Since its inception they have worked with enthusiasm and dedication to make the programme the success that it is."
Challenged by the vision of the Minister of Health, who is the Chairperson of the SADC Health Ministers Group, Pfizer has already extended this programme to nine other countries in Africa, and further expansion is imminent.
The other countries currently participating in the Programme are Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania and Malawi. In these expansion countries, there are over 350 operational sites, over one million tablets have been dispensed and over 550 healthcare professionals trained in the diagnosis and management of these fungal infections.
In closing, Mr. John Kearney, Pfizer South Africa's Country Manger says: "It is testament to the will and dedication of the participating Governments concerned that we have been able to launch this Programme in Africa. Our own Minister of Health should take a bow because it is through her support of the programme that many doors have opened up for Pfizer in Africa, allowing us to prepare for further African nation launches in the first quarter of 2003." |
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