Role of the community pharmacy in the control of pandemics in South Sudan

Abstract

Recently, special attention has been given to the community pharmacy and how ready it is to meet the growing demand for health care at times of pandemics. Several studies have discussed the roles and contributions of the community pharmacy amid COVID-19. An online assessment among pharmacy personnel in South Sudan showed that 57.5% of respondents had answered correctly to at least 60% of knowledge questions on the COVID-19 pandemic. The attitudes were a mix of neutral and positive. Physical distance (“social distancing”) and hand hygiene practices (95%) were the most often preventive measures used at the community pharmacy. In conclusion, the pharmacy is the first and, often, the last point of contact for patients. Therefore, it can play a role in identifying suspected infectious diseases and advising and instructing the public against any health emergency.