Edition 2/May 2025 WHY I JOINED THE PHARMACEUTICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (PSSA) 2009: That's the year I graduated at Wits with a BPharm Degree. And for years, I stood on the sidelines of my profession. I told myself, "I have my degree, my job, and my ambitions— what more do I need?" But here’s the thing…As time passed, I realised I was moving through my career in isolation. I was part of the system but not actively shaping it. I was treating patients, solving problems, and managing challenges, but I wasn’t connected to the collective effort that defines the future of pharmacy in South Africa. And that hit me hard. Bandela Mgoqi I started asking myself: What kind of professional do I want to be? That question changed everything. And so, I made the decision—I joined the PSSA. Here’s why. 1. A STRONGER VOICE IN HEALTHCARE REFORM South Africa’s healthcare system is evolving fast. But without a unified and organised voice, pharmacists’ contributions often go unnoticed. I realised something: By remaining passive, I was allowing others to shape the future of my profession without my input. I had to step up. I had to engage. 2. NETWORKING BEYOND THE PHARMACY COUNTER Let’s be honest—pharmacy can sometimes feel like a lonely profession. Yes, we interact with colleagues and patients, but real professional growth happens when we step beyond our immediate circles. The PSSA creates those opportunities—connecting pharmacists, industry leaders, and innovators who push the boundaries. I wanted in. 3. STAYING RELEVANT IN A CHANGING INDUSTRY Pharmacy is evolving at lightning speed. Pharmacoeconomics, personalised medicine, digital health, regulatory shifts—if you’re not staying ahead, you’re falling behind. Through the PSSA, I can access cutting-edge knowledge, attend seminars, and engage in professional development that keeps me sharp. I didn’t want to rely on outdated knowledge. I needed a continuous learning platform. …/continued on page 3 The Golden Mortar 2/2025 1
4 Professional Indemnity 6 PSSA Book Department 7 PSSA Conference 9 Museum Artefacts 1, 3 & 4 Why I joined PSSA 9 Members who attended SAAHIP Conference 5-6 Malaria Prevention in Children 11 SAAPI 2025 Conference Save the Date. SAAPI Conference Registration 12 - 13 SAAPI Conference Speakers 14 Why Become a SAAPI Member 15 SAAPI Workshops 16 - 17 Regulations Relating to the Registration of Specialist Pharmacists 18 - 20 Risk Management of Medical Products 10 Sales Representative & Product Support Position. Experienced Code 10 Driver Available Full Time RP Needed 8 PIMART 20 SAACP Web Information The Golden Mortar 2/2025 2
4. CONTRIBUTING TO PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITYAND ETHICS Healthcare is built on trust. Pharmacists play a crucial role in ensuring high standards of ethics and professionalism. But maintaining that integrity takes a collective effort. The PSSA drives ethical conversations and sets industry standards. I wanted to be part of those discussions—to uphold the credibility of my profession. 5. ADDRESSING INEQUALITY IN ACCESS TO MEDICINES This one’s personal. I’ve seen firsthand the struggles many communities face in accessing essential medications and I kept asking myself: What can I do to help? The PSSA actively advocates for fair and equitable healthcare policies. Joining gave me a voice in that fight—a way to be part of the solution. 6. FOSTERING INNOVATION IN PHARMACY PRACTICE Pharmacy isn’t just about dispensing meds anymore. The future of pharmacy is about clinical engagement, digital health, AI-driven solutions, pharmacoeconomics. The PSSA is at the forefront of this shift, encouraging innovation. I didn’t want to be left behind. and 7. ENHANCING INTERDISCOPLINARY COLLABORATION Pharmacists don’t work in silos. To provide top-tier patient care, we must work alongside doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. But real collaboration doesn’t just happen—it needs to be nurtured. The PSSA creates spaces for these interactions. It bridges gaps, fostering teamwork across disciplines. I knew that being part of this network would make me a better pharmacist. 8. ELEVATING THE STATUS OF PHARMACISTS Let’s face it: pharmacists don’t always get the recognition we deserve. Our expertise and contributions are often underestimated. The PSSA is working hard to change that—advocating for better working conditions, fair treatment, and increased visibility. I wanted to be part of that fight—to help reshape the perception of pharmacy in South Africa. 9. A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP AND MENTORSHIP I wouldn’t be where I am today without the mentors who guided me. Now it’s my turn to do the same. The PSSA provides mentorship opportunities for experienced pharmacists to guide the next generation. Joining allowed me to learn from those who came before me and mentor young professionals entering the field. 10. INSPIRATION AND MOTIVATION Pharmacy is rewarding—but let’s be real, it can also be exhausting. Burnout is real. And when you’re stuck in the day-to-day grind, it’s easy to forget why you started this journey in the first place. Being surrounded by passionate, driven professionals reignites that spark. The PSSA connects me with individuals who remind me why I love this profession—why I wake up every day committed to making a difference. THE TURNING POINT The decision to join the PSSA wasn’t about adding another title to my name. It was about stepping up. It was about actively shaping the future of pharmacy. About realising that if I wanted to see change, I had to be part of the movement driving it. I didn’t want to be a passive professional anymore. I wanted to engage, learn, contribute, and grow. …/ continued on page 4 The Golden Mortar 2/2025 3
A CALL TO ACTION To my fellow pharmacists still on the sidelines, let me ask you this: What kind of professional do you want to be? Do you want to go through your career as an observer—or do you want to be part of the conversation that defines the future of our profession? by Shaista Nabee Joining the PSSA has already broadened my perspective and given me a sense of belonging to something greater than myself. If you’ve ever questioned whether you should join, take the leap. Engage with your profession. Be part of the change. Because pharmacy isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. And what is the best way to honour that calling? Step up. Get involved. And shape the future of pharmacy together. The Golden Mortar 2/2025 4
Amayeza Information Services INTRODUCTION Globally, in 2023, there were an estimated 597 000 deaths due to malaria with 569 000 of these deaths occurring in the WHO African region. Children under the age of 5 years accounted for 76% of all malaria-related deaths in the African region. This translates into a daily toll of over 1000 children under the age of 5, meaning that almost every minute, a child under 5 years of age dies of malaria. SEVERITY OF DISEASE IN CHILDREN Children under 5 years of age are most at risk of severe complications from malaria and can rapidly become seriously ill with life-threatening malaria. Malaria symptoms in children may not be typical and therefore malaria should always be suspected in children living in endemic areas, or upon return from an endemic area. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential. After a bite from an infected mosquito, children are initially asymptomatic, but symptoms may appear around 8-18 days later when they become restless, drowsy, apathetic and anorexic. Mild symptoms include fever, chills and headache. Fever is usually continuous and may be very high (40° C) from the first day. Severe symptoms include fatigue, confusion, seizures, and difficulty breathing. Paediatric malaria cases often have more gastrointestinal symptoms than adult malaria cases and can result in clinical misdiagnosis. Malaria due to P. falciparum is dangerous and can result in complicated and severe malaria if not treated quickly and completely. Some complications include cerebral malaria, convulsions which can lead to prostration and death, generalised bleeding, anaemia, hypoglycaemia, pulmonary oedema, hyperpyrexia, circulatory collapse and jaundice. It is therefore of utmost importance to prevent malaria in young children. PREVENTION OF MALARIA Non-drug measures Avoiding mosquito bites is as important as using chemoprophylaxis. Children under the age of 5 years, but also pregnant women and immunocompromised patients, should avoid high-risk malaria areas if at all possible. Malaria-carrying mosquitoes (female anopheles mosquitoes) are most active between dusk and dawn, and people staying in endemic areas or traveling to high-risk areas should take extra precaution during these times. The following are some preventative measures that are recommended: • Stay indoors between dusk and dawn, and keep windows and doors closed or covered with screens • Wearing long sleeve clothing (preferably light-coloured) • Use mosquito repellents that contains DEET (Tabard® or Peaceful Sleep®) but avoid contact with eyes, mucous membranes and broken skin. Concentrations of up to 30% are considered safe in children but should not be used at all in children younger than 2 months of age. Avoid repellents on the hands of young children as they may come in contact with the mouth and eyes. Keep repellents out of reach of children and do not let them apply it themselves • Use insecticidal sprays, mosquito coils or vaporisation mats in sleeping areas to eliminate mosquitoes that may gain entrance to the dwelling • Long-lasting insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets may be used to cover sleeping areas, baby cots and prams. Nets with an elastic edge for a tight fit are useful to further protect babies in cots and prams from mosquito exposure • Ceiling fans and air conditioners also reduce the risk of mosquito exposure Chemoprophylaxis Currently there are three effective chemoprophylactic options available, namely, doxycycline, mefloquine and atovaquone/ proguanil. Doxycycline is contraindicated in children younger than 8 years of age and mefloquine is only available as a Section 21 import in South Africa. This leaves only the atovaquone/proguanil option that is registered for use in children in South Africa. A paediatric atovaquone/proguanil formulation is once again available in South Africa i.e. Hetovanil® from Hetero Pharmaceuticals. The paediatric formulation of Hetovanil contains 62,5 mg atovaquone and 25 mg …/ continued on page 6 The Golden Mortar 2/2025 5
proguanil per tablet and can be used in children who weigh 11 kg or more (See table 1 for dosing). It should be started 1 to 2 days before entry into a high-risk area, taken daily whilst in the area, and for 7 days after leaving the high-risk area. Children weighing more than 40 kg should take the adult formulation. Table 1: Dosing of atovaquone/proguanil in children Body weight (kg) Dosage Regimen 11-20 kg One 62.5/25 mg tablet per day 21-30 kg Two 62.5/25 mg tablets per day 31-40 kg by Shaista Nabee Three 62.5/25 mg tablets per day Although the paediatric atovaquone/proguanil is now an option for children travelling to high-risk malaria areas, it cannot be used as prophylaxis in children that weigh less than 11 kg. Thus, it is also important to consider the use of mefloquine as an option for children older than 3 months and weighing 5 kg or more. CONCLUSION Since children younger than 5 years of age are at increased risk of severe malaria, it is important to prevent malaria at all costs in this age group. This may include advising against travel to endemic malaria areas. Since no malaria chemoprophylaxis is 100 percent effective, mosquito bite prevention is as important as chemoprophylaxis in preventing malaria. With the upcoming school holidays, many families will be travelling to malaria-risk areas, such as the Kruger National Park or Mozambique. It is of utmost importance to counsel travellers on mosquito bite prevention measures, taking the appropriate chemoprophylaxis and adhering to the regimen. THE PSSA BOOK DEPARTMENT Do you know that the Book Department has a range of essential publications for pharmacists at preferential prices for members of the PSSA? From overseas publications such as Martindale, Merck Manual and Dorland’s Illustrated Medical Dictionary to local publications such as the South African Medicines Formulary (SAMF) and the Scheduled Substance Register. Ordering is this simple: Go to the PSSA website, www.pssa.org.za, click on the Hello, sign in button to order books at the discounted fee for members. Choose Book Store and complete online. Or Contact Dinette at PSSA National Office on (012) 470-9559 or at dinette@pssa.org.za The Golden Mortar 2/2025 6
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ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY COURSE A Call to Action Amidst Global Uncertainty by Shaista Nabee by Badrasheila Valla Community pharmacies serve as the first port of call for many South Africans seeking healthcare advice and treatment. In a country with a high HIV prevalence and numerous barriers to accessing healthcare, pharmacies play a crucial role in bridging the gap between patients and essential services. As a pharmacist working in a primary healthcare clinic, I see firsthand the challenges faced by underserved communities in accessing HIV care. The Pharmacist Initiated Management of Antiretroviral Treatment (PIMART) training offers an opportunity to expand my scope of practice, allowing me to make a direct impact on the lives of those who might otherwise fall through the cracks of the healthcare system. Badrasheila Valla The PIMART program is designed to equip pharmacists with the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe HIV prevention and care within the pharmacy setting. This training allows pharmacists to prescribe and provide Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) to individuals at risk of HIV infection. Moreover, it enables pharmacists to initiate first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) for uncomplicated HIV-positive clients who meet the safety criteria for pharmacybased care. Many individuals, especially those in hard-to-reach and underserved areas, do not have the means or willingness to visit primary healthcare clinics. By making HIV services available through pharmacies, access to essential treatment and prevention is significantly improved. Pharmacists are often the first healthcare professionals consulted by the public, and by expanding our role in HIV care, we can help relieve pressure on overburdened clinics and hospitals. Pharmacists have the potential to be key players in South Africa’s fight against HIV/AIDS, and without the necessary training, our ability to intervene effectively in HIV prevention and treatment remains limited. The PIMART course provides evidence-based knowledge and clinical decision-making skills, ensuring pharmacists are well-prepared to manage HIV-related cases effectively. The training includes course modules with in-module assessments, a final exam, and case-based scenarios to ensure that pharmacists are equipped to handle real-world situations. The potential withdrawal of USAID funding could have severe consequences for South Africa’s HIV response, as many HIV-related programs depend on international aid. Without these resources, access to testing, treatment, and prevention services could become more restricted. This highlights the urgent need for local healthcare professionals to step up and ensure continuity of care. By undertaking the PIMART course, I can play a direct role in safeguarding access to HIV prevention and treatment within my community, regardless of external funding uncertainties. The healthcare landscape in South Africa is evolving, and with increasing demands on traditional healthcare facilities, the role of community pharmacies must also evolve. The PIMART course represents a critical opportunity to advance pharmacy practice and meet the needs of our patients more effectively. By completing this training, I am better equipped to serve my community, ensuring that those at risk of HIV infection or living with HIV continue to receive the necessary care. The Golden Mortar 2/2025 8
WAIT FOR THE FULL ARTICLE IN EDITION 3 R285 R165 R325 R95 The Golden Mortar 2/2025 R360 To start your very own collection please contact: Cecile @ 011 442 3615 ceciler@pssasg.co.za 9
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