United goals
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London's universities are playing an important role in the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals. Businesses, governments, academics and celebrities have all voiced their opinions on tackling world poverty and supporting the growth of developing nations. The longer the debate, the more frustrated campaigners became with the lack of progress to effect change. In September 2000, eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were agreed at the United Nations Millennium Summit to encourage the international community to stop talking, join forces and begin engaging in practical projects to address world poverty.
Almost 200 countries have signed up to the goals to achieve 18 key targets by 2015. London's universities are key partners in a number of projects and are using their public health knowledge and expertise to train individuals who will make a difference in developing countries.
Three of the UN's MDGs are related to improving world health. One major barrier to achieving these ambitious goals is the shortage of skilled professionals to deliver health care services in low-income countries. The School of Pharmacy at the University of London is helping to alleviate such skills shortages with its innovative training programmes that develop global leaders in clinical pharmacy. The MSc in Clinical Pharmacy – International Practice & Policy programme is specifically designed for overseas pharmacists who wish to develop expertise in clinical pharmacy and health care leadership.
The world's future leaders in clinical pharmacy need to be scientifically astute and able to use critical thinking and strong communications to negotiate the challenges of rational medication use. The School of Pharmacy's students learn how to evaluate and refine pharmaceutical care services in their native country, ensuring theory matches practice.
Posted: Tuesday 9 February 2010