Lloyd Matowe and colleagues look at how the role of pharmacists in developing countries could be enhanced. The definition of public health has evolved over the years. An early definition by Winslow described it as the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting physical and mental health and well-being through the organised efforts of the community. Winslow went on to elucidate that these community efforts needed to encompass sanitation for the environment, the control of community infections, education of individuals in principles of personal hygiene and the organisation of medical and nursing services for prevention and early diagnosis of diseases.