Exploring pharmacists’ views and perceptions in strengthening HIV prevention and management services within community pharmacies in Cape Town, South Africa

Abstract

Increased access to antiretroviral therapy has proven to decrease HIV-related deaths and increase life expectancy. Pharmacists have been identified as one of the fundamental healthcare professionals that need to be mobilised and involved in HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment. The pharmacist role is still mainly embedded in dispensing of antiretroviral therapy, meaning that pharmacists are not sufficiently involved in managing HIV/AIDS in South Africa. The scope of practice of a pharmacist in South Africa to allow pharmacist initiated therapy (PIMART), was published in August 2021.