Taking pharmacy on tour in Vanuatu

Abstract

Remote villages and health facilities in Vanuatu are visited to help train pharmacy officers, update remote area nurses on pharmaceutical issues and provide community education about appropriate use of medicines and general health issues. Limited communications and irregular visits by medical staff makes a visit by the principal pharmacist and a trainee an occasion for the community. Updates for nurses include latest treatments for common conditions such as malaria, pneumonia, and non-communicable diseases which are increasing in these communities. Training includes blood glucose machines, repair of medical equipment and cold chain management. Touring allows the trainee pharmacy officers to observe first-hand the needs of the remote communities. They learn how to assist clinic nurses with their stock ordering and store management. Direct involvement in the medical care of some patients has reinforced their knowledge of drug treatments.