Optimising medicines use
for a healthier Commonwealth

The PharmAid Scheme – we need your help

The PharmAid scheme is our annual charitable initiative where recent versions of medicines information resources such as the British National Formulary (BNF) are redistributed to low and middle income countries. Without this scheme, these many pharmacists in some of the poorest nations in the world would not have access to reliable medicines information, impacting their ability to treat their patients safely and effectively. PharmAid provides vital access to medicines information they would otherwise be lacking.

we’ve provided over 200,000 books

…to 28 commonwealth countries

targeting almost half to the 14 poorest countries…

Collection Update

Due to the COVID19 global pandemic we have unfortunately had to postpone the BNF collection for 2020. Collections usually take place around March and we are hoping to resume these in 2021. We hope to be able to confirm this this soon. If you would like to be notified updates please make sure you are signed up to our PharmAid mailing list

We would be very thankful if you would like to donate your recently outdated BNFs and are able to hold on to them for the next collection.

We will be accepting BNF editions 78 & 79, the BNF for children from 2019-20, and the 39th edition of Martindales that are in good condition. Please make sure not send these us older versions than these as we will be unable to use them.

To stay up to date with our PharmAid news make sure you are signed up to our mailing for further notification on our collections.

This scheme cannot continue without your support

Having access to accurate medicines information instils confidence to dispense, advise about, and use up-to-date treatments. This is essential to ensure the safe and effective use of medicines. Without PharmAid, the healthcare of patients will suffer, adding to the increasing burden of disease that already face low-middle income countries and putting the lives of people living in these countries at risk. PharmAid is your opportunity to make a difference and play your part in social responsibility.

In the words of our Rwandan regional representative “Together we can make a difference!”

This video explains more about the impact of the PharmAid scheme and the importance of your support.

Sponsor a book

Help a healthcare worker provide evidenced based, cost effective care to their patients by providing access to independent medicines information.

In a survey that we conducted in November 2017, over 80% of recipients stated that the BNF provided through PharmAid was very influential for their practice, and that their practice would not be the same without it.

It costs up to £4 to send one BNF to another Commonwealth country. The continuation of PharmAid relies on donations. We really appreciate your support!

Your donation will help PharmAid to continue to support:

A healthier Commonwealth
Improved quality of life
Optimal use of medicines
Medication safety
Effective pharmacy practice
Collaboration across healthcare networks

For more information on the collection please email us at pharmaid@commonwealthpharmacy.org or call us on (+44) 7761 574 284 and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

“If it wasn't for the BNF donations that we get through CPA, the Society would not be known at all. Because each year the BNFs are sent to government hospitals, mission hospitals, training schools and retail pharmacies, the staff get to know about the Pharmaceutical Society of Malawi.”

Cynthia Kamtengeni

Past President, Pharmaceutical Society of Malawi

“The interaction between CPA members at different fora has boosted professional awareness and competence. The BNF books and other publications have enriched members' knowledge which has had a positive impact on practice.”

Yusuf Sembatya

Past Secretary, Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda

“A case in point is where the books have helped in dealing with the issue of professional boundaries. Doctors raised the concern that pharmacists are prescribing, whilst the pharmacists contend that doctors are dispensing illegally. The distribution of the books built bridges and confirmed the pharmacists' willingness to work with and cooperate with the medical practitioners.”

Sakhile V. Dube-Mwedzi

CPA Councillor, Pharmaceutical Society of Zimbabwe