A Comprehensive Review on Pharmacist Contributions and Challenges in Disease Prevention and Management

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), often known as chronic diseases, are long-lasting conditions caused by a confluence of behavioural, physiological, environmental, and genetic variables, according to the World Health Organisation. The threat posed by noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and long-term respiratory conditions. Diseases that can be transmitted from one person to another, from an animal to a human, or from a surface or food are known as communicable diseases. Diseases can be spread by respiratory droplets from a sick person's cough or sneeze, direct touch with an infected person, and the air. Compared to other causes, such as trauma, infectious diseases during an emergency situation can increase the fatality rate by 60 times. The purpose of this review is to explore the critical role of pharmacists in the prevention and management of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and communicable diseases, emphasizing their unique position as accessible healthcare providers. With over 36 million deaths attributed to NCDs annually, the escalating burden of these diseases poses significant challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income nations. Pharmacists contribute to healthcare through various functions, including screening and monitoring for NCDs, providing medication therapy management, offering patient counselling on medication adherence, enhancing medication accessibility, and engaging in health education initiatives. Furthermore, their involvement in managing communicable diseases such as COVID-19, Pertussis, HIV/AIDs, and Tuberculosis is highlighted. Despite their potential, pharmacists face several barriers including inadequate training, resource limitations, misleading information, and cultural communication challenges. Addressing these obstacles is essential to optimize the pharmacist’s impact on global health.