Pharmacists Without Borders Norway

Parmacists Without Borders Norway (PSF Norway) was established in 2005, as a sister organisation to Pharmaciens Sans Frontieres (PSF-CI). PSF was started in France in 1985, and have since then been running developmental projects all over the world. PSF was wound-up by decision of court at the end of October 2009, and is now run by the large humanitarian organisation Acted.

Each PSF-country run their own projects. PSF Canada, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, and Denmark have activities around the world.

PSF Norway aims to improve the health of populations in need regardless of where
they live or of their economic status by:

  • Providing access to quality essential medicines
  • Organizing medical distribution networks
  • Assuring proper management of essential medicines
  • Contributing to rational use of medicines

PSF seek to find projects that could benefit from the assistance of a Norwegian
pharmacist within the following areas:

  • Drug distribution
  • Quality control
  • Education
  • Clinical (hospital) pharmacy
  • Drug information and the rational use of drugs

Our main and most valuable resources are our pharmaceutical skills and knowledge and the enthusiasm needed to work on projects in developing countries.

Projects PSF Norway

Ghana

Pharmacists without Boarders (PSF) in Norway, Sweden and Denmark have joined forces in a joint Nordic project. The three Nordic PWB organizations have signed a cooperation agreement with Lady Pharmacist Association of Ghana (LAPAG) and the Anglican Dioces of Accra (ADA) on a project to promote better and safer use of medicines with focus on increasing the local population´s knowledge about counterfeit medicines.

The cooperation agreement has been named "Safe use of safer medicines in Ghanian communities". The agreement was written and signed during a workshop in Accra in the beginning of December 2015. Two representatives from each Nordic PWB organisaztion participated along with the president and other senior members of LAPAG and leading women from ADA.

The cooperation agreement is the first step towards a long-term partnership that aims to help consumers in Ghana to make better choices in regards to medicines and protect themselves against substandard and counterfeit drugs.her healthcare professionals at the hospital

Ethiopia

WHO estimates that annually, Ethiopia has an incidence of 120-150 000 new cancer cases. Only 2-3 % percent of patients receive treatment from an oncologist. The mortality rate is close to 80%.

The Norwegian oncologist Johan Tausjø wanted to give something back to Ethiopia, the country he grew up in. He took the initiative to start training of health personnel at Tikur Anbessa cancer hospital in Addis Ababa, in collaboration with Oslo University Hospital (OUS). Five Ethiopian physicians are scheduled to graduate as oncologists in 2017 and 22 physicians are currently undergoing training. The plan is to increase the number of oncologists every year, in addition to educating oncology nurses and radiation therapists. Those included in the program have to commit to working at least five years at the Tikur Anbessa cancer hospital in Addis Ababa after graduation to ensure that resources remain in Ethiopia. In addition, those who have graduated from the program are themselves trained to be able to educate other physicians. This collaboration project at OUS is financially supported by AKTIV Against Cancer.

As part of this collaboration, a two-year master degree for cancer nurses has been implemented with a separate project agreement between OUS and Tikur Anbessa cancer hospital. Cancer nurses from OUS, educators from the University College in Oslo and Akershus (HiOA) and volunteers from Pharmacists without boarders (PSF) Norway provide classes in "oncology nursing curriculum" prepared by professionals at HiOA. The first group of oncology nurses graduated in the spring of 2016 and work is now being done to evaluate and improve the educational materials for the next group of oncology nurses. According to the plan, representatives from PSF Norway will contribute with 2 weeks training of the oncology nurses, once a year.

There is also an urgent need for practical training in the handling and use of chemotherapy, including the use of a laminar flow (LAF) cabinet/safety cabinet and improvement of procedures. In connection with this, PSF Norway is planning to send volunteers with the right skills who can contribute with practical education of pharmacists, nurses and other healthcare professionals at the hospital

Black Lion hospital in Addis Ababa, May 2016. Wendy Klem and Kristin Nordvik from FUG Norway with this year's class of oncology nurses.

Contact

Board leader
Ørjan Leiknes Apeland
E-mail: styreleder@fugnorge.no

Mailing Address:
Farmasøyter Uten Grenser Norge (FUG Norge)
Post box 5094, Majorstuen
N-0301 Oslo
Norway

E-mail: post@fugnorge.no

For further information on the activities of FUG Norway, please send an e-mail to post@fugnorge.no.