Beating non-communicable diseases in primary health care: The contribution of pharmacists and guidance from FIP to support WHO goals

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 36 million people die annually from non-communicable diseases (NCDs), representing over 60% of deaths worldwide, 15 million of which occur before the age of 70 years. Prevention and control of NCDs and their risk factors require interventions that are therapeutically cost-effective, affordable by the patient and/or health systems and feasible, based upon local resources. This commentary paper sets a basis of global evidence to advocate, nationally and internationally, for an expanded role for pharmacists in NCD management by compiling best practices and examples. It encourages pharmacists around the world to act upon NCDs, from prevention and screening activities, to patient referral when appropriate, and to pharmacist-led, patient-centred NCD management to improve outcomes and quality of life. Priority NCDs fall into four areas: cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cancer. Building on the key roles they already play as primary healthcare professionals in the community, pharmacists can provide focused interventions, specialised counselling and care coordination, improving patient engagement to achieve better outcomes in the global fight against NCDs.