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Woldeghebriel M, Aso E, Berlin E, Fashanu C, Kirumira SN, Lam F, Mugerwa R, Nakiganda J, Olaleye T, Opigo J, Osinupebi F, Priestley N, Stringham R, Uhomoibhi P, Visser T, Ward A, Wiwa O, Woolsey A. Assessing availability, prices, and market share of quality-assured malaria ACT and RDT in the private retail sector in Nigeria and Uganda. Malar J 2024; 23:41. [PMID: 38321459 PMCID: PMC10848491 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-024-04863-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An estimated 50% of suspected malaria cases in sub-Saharan Africa first seek care in the private sector, especially in private medicine retail outlets. Quality of care in these outlets is generally unknown but considered poor with many patients not receiving a confirmatory diagnosis or the recommended first-line artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). In 2010, a subsidy pilot scheme, the Affordable Medicines Facility malaria, was introduced to crowd out the use of monotherapies in favour of WHO-pre-qualified artemisinin-based combinations (WHO-PQ-ACTs) in the private health sector. The scheme improved the availability, market share, and cost of WHO-PQ-ACTs in countries like Nigeria and Uganda, but in 2018, the subsidies were halted in Nigeria and significantly reduced in Uganda. This paper presents findings from six retail audit surveys conducted from 2014 to 2021 in Nigeria and Uganda to assess whether the impact of subsidies on the price, availability, and market share of artemisinin-based combinations has been sustained after the subsidies were reduced or discontinued. METHODS Six independent retail audits were conducted in private medicine retail outlets, including pharmacies, drug shops, and clinics in Nigeria (2016, 2018, 2021), and Uganda (2014, 2019, 2020) to assess the availability, price, and market share of anti-malarials, including WHO-PQ-ACTs and non-WHO-PQ-ACTs, and malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). RESULTS Between 2016 and 2021, there was a 57% decrease in WHO-PQ-ACT availability in Nigeria and a 9% decrease in Uganda. During the same period, non-WHO-PQ-ACT availability increased in Nigeria by 41% and by 34% in Uganda. The price of WHO-PQ-ACTs increased by 42% in Nigeria to $0.68 and increased in Uganda by 24% to $0.95. The price of non-WHO-PQ-ACTs decreased in Nigeria by 26% to $1.08 and decreased in Uganda by 64% to $1.23. There was a 76% decrease in the market share of WHO-PQ-ACTs in Nigeria and a 17% decrease in Uganda. Malaria RDT availability remained low throughout. CONCLUSION With the reduction or termination of subsidies for WHO-PQ-ACTs in Uganda and Nigeria, retail prices have increased, and retail prices of non-WHO-PQ-ACTs decreased, likely contributing to a shift of higher availability and increased use of non-WHO-PQ-ACTs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ezinne Aso
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Erica Berlin
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Felix Lam
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert Mugerwa
- National Malaria Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Tayo Olaleye
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Jimmy Opigo
- National Malaria Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | | | | | - Theodoor Visser
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Abigail Ward
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Owens Wiwa
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Aaron Woolsey
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Sorato MM, Davari M, Kebriaeezadeh A. Improving access to medicines to reduce marketing and use of substandard and falsified medicines in Africa: Scoping review. THE JOURNAL OF MEDICINE ACCESS 2024; 8:27550834241236598. [PMID: 38476401 PMCID: PMC10929061 DOI: 10.1177/27550834241236598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Background Both constrained access to essential medicines and combatting marketing of substandard and falsified (SF) medicines are unmet health sector goals in Africa. Objective To answer the question of how improved access can reduce the continuous surge of SF medicines in Africa. Design We conducted a scoping review based on standard protocol. Methods We searched articles published in the English language from PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar by using a systematic search query. Results Seventy-one articles were included in this review. Access to quality essential medicines is still a major problem in developing countries in Africa and will continue as a threat for the next decade of health care. Ensuring access to quality medicines and preventing SF medicines in Africa need a systematic approach to address their underlying causes. Failure to ensure access to medicines is the major reason for the availability of SF medicines. Improving access to quality medicines can reduce SF medicine marketing and use. Manipulating the entire supply chain for efficiency, avoiding trade agreements that could reduce access, using compulsory licensing provisions, and pharmaceutical price control, providing incentives for drug development, and promoting rational use of medicines can improve access. Conclusion Ensuring access to medicines and preventing SF medicine marketing cannot be achieved in the planned period in developing countries in Africa unless a comprehensive strategy is used. Improving access to quality medicines can reduce SF medicine marketing and use, that is, ensuring access through uninterrupted supply, improved efficiency, enhanced local production, preventing SF medicine entry, improved medication use system, and improved affordability. Therefore, it is essential to improve supply chain capability, address challenges of the supply chain, improve leadership and governance, establish country-specific anti-counterfeiting and anti-substandardization committees, and collaborate with all relevant stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mende Mensa Sorato
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, Komar University of Science and Technology, Sulaimaniyah, Iraq
| | - Majid Davari
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Pharmaceutical Administration, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Kebriaeezadeh
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Pharmaceutical Administration, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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de Haan F, Amaratunga C, Thi VAC, Orng LH, Vonglokham M, Quang TN, Lek D, Boon WPC, Dondorp AM, Moors EHM. Strategies for deploying triple artemisinin-based combination therapy in the Greater Mekong Subregion. Malar J 2023; 22:261. [PMID: 37674172 PMCID: PMC10483751 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04666-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This is a qualitative study to identify implementation challenges for deploying triple artemisinin-based combination therapy (TACT) in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) of Southeast Asia and to explore strategies to overcome these challenges. METHODS In-depth interviews were conducted in three countries that have repeatedly been confronted with ACT failures: Cambodia, Vietnam, and Lao PDR. Thirty-nine key stakeholders in the healthcare systems in these countries were interviewed. One participatory workshop was conducted in Cambodia, where scenarios for potential TACT deployment were discussed. RESULTS The results section is organized around four strategic themes that emerged from the data: policy support, data and evidence, logistics and operation, and downstream engagement. The study revealed that countries in the GMS currently rely on ACT to eliminate Plasmodium falciparum malaria by 2025. TACT is, however, considered to be a useful backup strategy in case of future treatment failures and to prevent the re-establishment of malaria. The study showed that a major challenge ahead is to engage decision makers and healthcare providers into deploying TACT, given the low case incidence of falciparum malaria in the GMS. Interview respondents were also skeptical whether healthcare providers would be willing to engage in new therapies for a disease they hardly encounter anymore. Hence, elaborate information dissemination strategies were considered appropriate and these strategies should especially target village malaria workers. Respondents proposed several regulatory and programmatic strategies to anticipate the formation of TACT markets in the GMS. These strategies include early dossier submission to streamline regulatory procedures, early stakeholder engagement strategies to shorten implementation timelines, and inclusion of TACT as second-line therapy to accelerate their introduction in case they are urgently needed. CONCLUSIONS This paper presents a qualitative study to identify implementation challenges for deploying TACT in the GMS and to explore strategies to overcome these challenges. The findings could benefit researchers and decision makers in strategizing towards potential future deployment of TACT in the GMS to combat artemisinin and partner drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freek de Haan
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Chanaki Amaratunga
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Van Anh Cao Thi
- The University of North Carolina Project in Vietnam, Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Long Heng Orng
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Epidemiology Department, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Manithong Vonglokham
- Lao Tropical and Public Health Institute, Ministry of Health, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR
| | - Thieu Nguyen Quang
- National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Dysoley Lek
- National Center for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Wouter P C Boon
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Arjen M Dondorp
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ellen H M Moors
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Chan JTN, Nguyen V, Tran TN, Nguyen NV, Do NTT, van Doorn HR, Lewycka S. Point-of-care testing in private pharmacy and drug retail settings: a narrative review. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:551. [PMID: 37612636 PMCID: PMC10463283 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08480-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Point-of-care testing (POCT) using rapid diagnostic tests for infectious disease can potentially guide appropriate use of antimicrobials, reduce antimicrobial resistance, and economise use of healthcare resources. POCT implementation in private retail settings such as pharmacies and drug shops could lessen the burden on public healthcare. We performed a narrative review on studies of POCTs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and explored uptake, impact on treatment, and feasibility of implementation. METHODS We searched MEDLINE/PubMed for interventional studies on the implementation of POCT for infectious diseases performed by personnel in private retail settings. Data were extracted and analysed by two independent reviewers. RESULTS Of the 848 studies retrieved, 23 were included in the review. Studies were on malaria (19/23), malaria and pneumonia (3/23) or respiratory tract infection (1/23). Nine randomised controlled studies, four controlled, non-randomised studies, five uncontrolled interventions, one interventional pre-post study, one cross-over interventional study and three retrospective analyses of RCTs were included. Study quality was poor. Overall, studies showed that POCT can be implemented successfully, leading to improvements in appropriate treatment as measured by outcomes like adherence to treatment guidelines. Despite some concerns by health workers, customers and shop providers were welcoming of POCT implementation in private retail settings. Main themes that arose from the review included the need for well-structured training with post-training certification covering guidelines for test-negative patients, integrated waste management, community sensitization and demand generation activities, financial remuneration and pricing schemes for providers, and formal linkage to healthcare and support. CONCLUSION Our review found evidence that POCT can be implemented successfully in private retail settings in LMICs, but comprehensive protocols are needed. High-quality randomised studies are needed to understand POCTs for infectious diseases other than malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Van Nguyen
- Doctor of Medicine Programme, Duke National University of Singapore (NUS) Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Thuy Ngan Tran
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | | | - H Rogier van Doorn
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sonia Lewycka
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Weathers PJ. Artemisinin as a therapeutic vs. its more complex Artemisia source material. Nat Prod Rep 2023; 40:1158-1169. [PMID: 36541391 DOI: 10.1039/d2np00072e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Covering: up to 2017-2022Many small molecule drugs are first discovered in nature, commonly the result of long ethnopharmacological use by people, and then characterized and purified from their biological sources. Traditional medicines are often more sustainable, but issues related to source consistency and efficacy present challenges. Modern medicine has focused solely on purified molecules, but evidence is mounting to support some of the more traditional uses of medicinal biologics. When is a more traditional delivery of a therapeutic appropriate and warranted? What studies are required to establish validity of a traditional medicine approach? Artemisia annua and A. afra are two related but unique medicinal plant species with long histories of ethnopharmacological use. A. annua produces the sesquiterpene lactone antimalarial drug, artemisinin, while A. afra produces at most, trace amounts of the compound. Both species also have an increasing repertoire of modern scientific and pharmacological data that make them ideal candidates for a case study. Here accumulated recent data on A. annua and A. afra are reviewed as a basis for establishing a decision tree for querying their therapeutic use, as well as that of other medicinal plant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela J Weathers
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, 100 Institute Rd, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, 01609, USA.
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6
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Brunner NC, Karim A, Athieno P, Kimera J, Tumukunde G, Angiro I, Signorell A, Delvento G, Lee TT, Lambiris M, Ogwal A, Nakiganda J, Mpanga F, Kagwire F, Amutuhaire M, Burri C, Lengeler C, Awor P, Hetzel MW. Starting at the community: Treatment-seeking pathways of children with suspected severe malaria in Uganda. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001949. [PMID: 37405978 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Community health workers (CHW) usually refer children with suspected severe malaria to the nearest public health facility or a designated public referral health facility (RHF). Caregivers do not always follow this recommendation. This study aimed at identifying post-referral treatment-seeking pathways that lead to appropriate antimalarial treatment for children less than five years with suspected severe malaria. An observational study in Uganda enrolled children below five years presenting to CHWs with signs of severe malaria. Children were followed up 28 days after enrolment to assess their condition and treatment-seeking history, including referral advice and provision of antimalarial treatment from visited providers. Of 2211 children included in the analysis, 96% visited a second provider after attending a CHW. The majority of CHWs recommended caregivers to take their child to a designated RHF (65%); however, only 59% followed this recommendation. Many children were brought to a private clinic (33%), even though CHWs rarely recommended this type of provider (3%). Children who were brought to a private clinic were more likely to receive an injection than children brought to a RHF (78% vs 51%, p<0.001) and more likely to receive the second or third-line injectable antimalarial (artemether: 22% vs. 2%, p<0.001, quinine: 12% vs. 3%, p<0.001). Children who only went to non-RHF providers were less likely to receive an artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) than children who attended a RHF (odds ratio [OR] = 0.64, 95% CI 0.51-0.79, p<0.001). Children who did not go to any provider after seeing a CHW were the least likely to receive an ACT (OR = 0.21, 95% CI 0.14-0.34, p<0.001). Health policies should recognise local treatment-seeking practices and ensure adequate quality of care at the various public and private sector providers where caregivers of children with suspected severe malaria actually seek care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina C Brunner
- Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Aliya Karim
- Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Proscovia Athieno
- Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph Kimera
- Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Gloria Tumukunde
- Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Irene Angiro
- Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Aita Signorell
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Giulia Delvento
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Tristan T Lee
- Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mark Lambiris
- Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alex Ogwal
- Malaria Programme, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Juliet Nakiganda
- Malaria Programme, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Flavia Mpanga
- Child Survival and Development, UNICEF, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Fred Kagwire
- Child Survival and Development, UNICEF, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Maureen Amutuhaire
- National Malaria Control Division, Uganda Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Christian Burri
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Christian Lengeler
- Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Phyllis Awor
- Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Manuel W Hetzel
- Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Danquah BA, Chirove F, Banasiak J. Controlling malaria in a population accessing counterfeit antimalarial drugs. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2023; 20:11895-11938. [PMID: 37501425 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2023529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
A mathematical model is developed for describing malaria transmission in a population consisting of infants and adults and in which there are users of counterfeit antimalarial drugs. Three distinct control mechanisms, namely, effective malarial drugs for treatment and insecticide-treated bednets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) for prevention, are incorporated in the model which is then analyzed to gain an understanding of the disease dynamics in the population and to identify the optimal control strategy. We show that the basic reproduction number, $ R_{0} $, is a decreasing function of all three controls and that a locally asymptotically stable disease-free equilibrium exists when $ R_{0} < 1 $. Moreover, under certain circumstances, the model exhibits backward bifurcation. The results we establish support a multi-control strategy in which either a combination of ITNs, IRS and highly effective drugs or a combination of IRS and highly effective drugs is used as the optimal strategy for controlling and eliminating malaria. In addition, our analysis indicates that the control strategies primarily benefit the infant population and further reveals that a high use of counterfeit drugs and low recrudescence can compromise the optimal strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baaba A Danquah
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Energy and Natural Resources, P. O. Box 214, Sunyani, Ghana
| | - Faraimunashe Chirove
- Department of Mathematics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jacek Banasiak
- School of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Institute of Mathematics, Łódź University of Technology, Łódź, Poland
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Kane NF, Kiani BH, Desrosiers MR, Towler MJ, Weathers PJ. Artemisia extracts differ from artemisinin effects on human hepatic CYP450s 2B6 and 3A4 in vitro. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 298:115587. [PMID: 35934190 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The Chinese medicinal herb, Artemisia annua L., has been used for >2,000 yr as traditional tea infusions to treat a variety of infectious diseases including malaria, and its use is spreading globally (along with A. afra Jacq. ex Willd.) mainly through grassroots efforts. AIM OF THE STUDY Artemisinin is more bioavailable delivered from the plant, Artemisia annua L. than the pure drug, but little is known about how delivery via a hot water infusion (tea) alters induction of hepatic CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 that metabolize artemisinin. MATERIALS AND METHODS HepaRG cells were treated with 10 μM artemisinin or rifampicin (positive control), and teas (10 g/L) of A. annua SAM, and A. afra SEN and MAL with 1.6, 0.05 and 0 mg/g DW artemisinin in the leaves, respectively; qPCR and Western blots were used to measure CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 responses. Enzymatic activity of these P450s was measured using human liver microsomes and P450-Glo assays. RESULTS All teas inhibited activity of CYP2B6 and CYP3A4. Artemisinin and the high artemisinin-containing tea infusion (SAM) induced CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 transcription, but artemisinin-deficient teas, MAL and SEN, did not. Artemisinin increased CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 protein levels, but none of the three teas did, indicating a post-transcription inhibition by all three teas. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that Artemisia teas inhibit activity and artemisinin autoinduction of CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 post transcription, a response likely the effect of other phytochemicals in these teas. Results are important for understanding Artemisia tea posology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ndeye F Kane
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, 01609, USA.
| | - Bushra H Kiani
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, 01609, USA.
| | - Matthew R Desrosiers
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, 01609, USA.
| | - Melissa J Towler
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, 01609, USA.
| | - Pamela J Weathers
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, 01609, USA.
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IMNets: Deep Learning Using an Incremental Modular Network Synthesis Approach for Medical Imaging Applications. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12115500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Deep learning approaches play a crucial role in computer-aided diagnosis systems to support clinical decision-making. However, developing such automated solutions is challenging due to the limited availability of annotated medical data. In this study, we proposed a novel and computationally efficient deep learning approach to leverage small data for learning generalizable and domain invariant representations in different medical imaging applications such as malaria, diabetic retinopathy, and tuberculosis. We refer to our approach as Incremental Modular Network Synthesis (IMNS), and the resulting CNNs as Incremental Modular Networks (IMNets). Our IMNS approach is to use small network modules that we call SubNets which are capable of generating salient features for a particular problem. Then, we build up ever larger and more powerful networks by combining these SubNets in different configurations. At each stage, only one new SubNet module undergoes learning updates. This reduces the computational resource requirements for training and aids in network optimization. We compare IMNets against classic and state-of-the-art deep learning architectures such as AlexNet, ResNet-50, Inception v3, DenseNet-201, and NasNet for the various experiments conducted in this study. Our proposed IMNS design leads to high average classification accuracies of 97.0%, 97.9%, and 88.6% for malaria, diabetic retinopathy, and tuberculosis, respectively. Our modular design for deep learning achieves the state-of-the-art performance in the scenarios tested. The IMNets produced here have a relatively low computational complexity compared to traditional deep learning architectures. The largest IMNet tested here has 0.95 M of the learnable parameters and 0.08 G of the floating-point multiply–add (MAdd) operations. The simpler IMNets train faster, have lower memory requirements, and process images faster than the benchmark methods tested.
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de Haan F, Boon WPC, Amaratunga C, Dondorp AM. Expert perspectives on the introduction of Triple Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (TACTs) in Southeast Asia: a Delphi study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:864. [PMID: 35490212 PMCID: PMC9055751 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13212-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (TACTs) are being developed as a response to artemisinin and partner drug resistance in Southeast Asia. However, the desirability, timing and practical feasibility of introducing TACTs in Southeast Asia is subject to debate. This study systematically assesses perspectives of malaria experts towards the introduction of TACTs as first-line treatment for uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Southeast Asia. METHODS A two-round Delphi study was conducted. In the first round, 53 malaria experts answered open-ended questions on what they consider the most important advantages, disadvantages, and implementation barriers for introducing TACTs in Southeast Asia. In the second round, the expert panel rated the relevance of each statement on a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS Malaria experts identified 15 advantages, 15 disadvantages and 13 implementation barriers for introducing TACTs in Southeast Asia in the first round of data collection. In the second round, consensus was reached on 13 advantages (8 perceived as relevant, 5 as not-relevant), 12 disadvantages (10 relevant, 2 not-relevant), and 13 implementation barriers (all relevant). Advantages attributed highest relevance related to the clinical and epidemiological rationale of introducing TACTs. Disadvantages attributed highest relevance related to increased side-effects, unavailability of fixed-dose TACTs, and potential cost increases. Implementation barriers attributed highest relevance related to obtaining timely regulatory approval, timely availability of fixed-dose TACTs, and generating global policy support for introducing TACTs. CONCLUSIONS The study provides a structured oversight of malaria experts' perceptions on the major advantages, disadvantages and implementation challenges for introducing TACTs in Southeast Asia, over current practices of rotating ACTs when treatment failure is observed. The findings can benefit strategic decision making in the battle against drug-resistant malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freek de Haan
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Princetonlaan 8a, 3484 CB, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Wouter P C Boon
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Princetonlaan 8a, 3484 CB, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Chanaki Amaratunga
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi DistrictBangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Arjen M Dondorp
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi DistrictBangkok, 10400, Thailand
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Dasgupta RR, Mao W, Ogbuoji O. Addressing child health inequity through case management of under-five malaria in Nigeria: an extended cost-effectiveness analysis. Malar J 2022; 21:81. [PMID: 35264153 PMCID: PMC8905868 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04113-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Under-five malaria in Nigeria is a leading cause of global child mortality, accounting for 95,000 annual child deaths. High out-of-pocket medical expenditure contributes to under-five malaria mortality by discouraging care-seeking and use of effective anti-malarials in the poorest households. The significant inequity in child health outcomes in Nigeria stresses the need to evaluate the outcomes of potential interventions across socioeconomic lines. Methods Using a decision tree model, an extended cost-effectiveness analysis was done to determine the effects of subsidies covering the direct and indirect costs of case management of under-five malaria in Nigeria. This analysis estimates the number of child deaths averted, out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditure averted, cases of catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) averted, and cost of implementation. An optimization analysis was also done to determine how to optimally allocate money across wealth groups using different combinations of interventions. Results Fully subsidizing direct medical, non-medical, and indirect costs could annually avert over 19,000 under-five deaths, 8600 cases of CHE, and US$187 million in OOP spending. Per US$1 million invested, this corresponds to an annual reduction of 76 under-five deaths, 34 cases of CHE, and over US$730,000 in OOP expenditure. Due to low initial treatment coverage in poorer socioeconomic groups, health and financial-risk protection benefits would be pro-poor, with the poorest 40% of Nigerians accounting for 72% of all deaths averted, 55% of all OOP expenditure averted, and 74% of all cases of CHE averted. Subsidies targeted to the poor would see greater benefits per dollar spent than broad, non-targeted subsidies. In an optimization scenario, the strategy of fully subsidizing direct medical costs would be dominated by a partial subsidy of direct medical costs as well as a full subsidy of direct medical, nonmedical, and indirect costs. Conclusion Subsidizing case management of under-five malaria for the poorest and most vulnerable would reduce illness-related impoverishment and child mortality in Nigeria while preserving limited financial resources. This study is an example of how focusing a targeted policy-intervention on a single, high-burden disease can yield large health and financial-risk protection benefits in a low and middle-income country context and address equity consideration in evidence-informed policymaking. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-022-04113-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishav Raj Dasgupta
- Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA. .,Center for Policy Impact in Global Health at Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Wenhui Mao
- Center for Policy Impact in Global Health at Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Osondu Ogbuoji
- Center for Policy Impact in Global Health at Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, USA. .,Duke Margolis Center for Health Policy, Durham, NC, USA.
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de Haan F, Moors EH, Dondorp AM, Boon WP. Market Formation in a Global Health Transition. ENVIRONMENTAL INNOVATION AND SOCIETAL TRANSITIONS 2021; 40:40-59. [PMID: 35106274 PMCID: PMC7612298 DOI: 10.1016/j.eist.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Transition studies have started to focus on market formation in innovation systems. This article investigates market formation in a global health transition that was instigated by drug-resistant malaria. We explore how markets for Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACT) in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) were formed at multiple geographical scales and locations. The study reveals the role of public institutes, academia and partnerships in early innovation system development. It demonstrates how transnational organizations created a supportive global landscape for ACT development and deployment. It then reveals how these advancements led to the formation of public-sector and private-sector ACT markets in the GMS. We illustrate how market formation activities took place on global, national and local scales and how structural couplings enabled the functioning of this global innovation system. The lessons learned are particularly relevant now that drug-resistant malaria has once more emerged in the GMS, urgently calling for new therapies and associated end-user markets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freek de Haan
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Princetonlaan 8a, 3484 CB, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Corresponding author. (F. de Haan), (E.H.M. Moors), (A.M. Dondorp), (W.P.C. Boon)
| | - Ellen H.M. Moors
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Princetonlaan 8a, 3484 CB, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Arjen M. Dondorp
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 73170 Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wouter P.C. Boon
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Princetonlaan 8a, 3484 CB, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 73170 Bangkok, Thailand
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de Haan F, Bolarinwa OA, Guissou R, Tou F, Tindana P, Boon WPC, Moors EHM, Cheah PY, Dhorda M, Dondorp AM, Ouedraogo JB, Mokuolu OA, Amaratunga C. To what extent are the antimalarial markets in African countries ready for a transition to triple artemisinin-based combination therapies? PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256567. [PMID: 34464398 PMCID: PMC8407563 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Triple artemisinin-based combination therapies (TACTs) are being developed as a response to artemisinin and partner drug resistance in the treatment of falciparum malaria in Southeast Asia. In African countries, where current artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are still effective, TACTs have the potential to benefit the larger community and future patients by mitigating the risk of drug resistance. This study explores the extent to which the antimalarial drug markets in African countries are ready for a transition to TACTs. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted in Nigeria and Burkina Faso and comprised in-depth interviews (n = 68) and focus group discussions (n = 11) with key actor groups in the innovation system of antimalarial therapies. RESULTS Evidence of ACT failure in African countries and explicit support for TACTs by the World Health Organization (WHO) and international funders were perceived important determinants for the market prospects of TACTs in Nigeria and Burkina Faso. At the country level, slow regulatory and implementation procedures were identified as potential barriers towards rapid TACTs deployment. Integrating TACTs in public sector distribution channels was considered relatively straightforward. More challenges were expected for integrating TACTs in private sector distribution channels, which are characterized by patient demand and profit motives. Finally, several affordability and acceptability issues were raised for which ACTs were suggested as a benchmark. CONCLUSION The market prospects of TACTs in Nigeria and Burkina Faso will depend on the demonstration of the added value of TACTs over ACTs, their advocacy by the WHO, the inclusion of TACTs in financial and regulatory arrangements, and their alignment with current distribution and deployment practices. Further clinical, health-economic and feasibility studies are required to inform decision makers about the broader implications of a transition to TACTs in African counties. The recent reporting of artemisinin resistance and ACT failure in Africa might change important determinants of the market readiness for TACTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freek de Haan
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Rosemonde Guissou
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Sante, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Fatoumata Tou
- Institut des Sciences et Techniques, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Paulina Tindana
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Wouter P. C. Boon
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen H. M. Moors
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Phaik Yeong Cheah
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mehul Dhorda
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Arjen M. Dondorp
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jean Bosco Ouedraogo
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Sante, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
- Institut des Sciences et Techniques, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Chanaki Amaratunga
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Tindana P, de Haan F, Mokuolu OA, Guissou R, Bolarinwa OA, Ouedraogo JB, Tou F, Boon WP, Moors EH, Dondorp AM, Dhorda M, Amaratunga C, Cheah PY. Ethical, Regulatory and Market related aspects of Deploying Triple Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapies for Malaria treatment in Africa: A study protocol. Wellcome Open Res 2021; 6:75. [PMID: 34458588 PMCID: PMC8378406 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16065.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: According to the World Malaria Report 2019, Africa accounts for 94% of the global malaria deaths. While malaria prevalence and mortality have declined over the years, recent reports suggest that these gains may stand the risk of being reversed if resistance to Artemisinin Combination Therapies (ACTs) spreads from Southeast Asia to Africa. Efforts are being made to develop new treatments that will address the looming threat of ACT resistance, including the development of triple artemisinin combination therapies (TACTs). The proposed study seeks to explore the views of stakeholders on the key ethical, regulatory and market-related issues that should be considered in the potential introduction of triple artemisinin combination therapies (TACTs) in Africa. Methods: The study employed qualitative research methods involving in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) with stakeholders, who will be directly affected by the potential deployment of triple artemisinin combination treatments, as regulators, suppliers and end-users. Participants will be purposively selected and will include national regulatory authorities, national malaria control programs, clinicians, distributors and retailers as well as community members in selected districts in Burkina Faso and Nigeria. Discussion: The proposed study is unique in being one of the first studies that seeks to understand the ethical, social, regulatory and market position issues prior to the development of a prospective antimalarial medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Tindana
- Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Freek de Haan
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Ultrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Rosemonde Guissou
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Sante, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | | | | | - Fatoumata Tou
- Institut des Sciences et Techniques, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Wouter P.C Boon
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Ultrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen H.M Moors
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Ultrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Arjen M Dondorp
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mehul Dhorda
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Chanaki Amaratunga
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Phaik Yeong Cheah
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Kibira D, Ssebagereka A, van den Ham HA, Opigo J, Katamba H, Seru M, Reed T, Leufkens HG, Mantel-Teeuwisse AK. Trends in access to anti-malarial treatment in the formal private sector in Uganda: an assessment of availability and affordability of first-line anti-malarials and diagnostics between 2007 and 2018. Malar J 2021; 20:142. [PMID: 33691704 PMCID: PMC7944888 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03680-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria is the single largest cause of illness in Uganda. Since the year 2008, the Global Fund has rolled out several funding streams for malaria control in Uganda. Among these are mechanisms aimed at increasing the availability and affordability of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). This paper examines the availability and affordability of first-line malaria treatment and diagnostics in the private sector, which is the preferred first point of contact for 61% of households in Uganda between 2007 and 2018. Methods Cross-sectional surveys were conducted between 2007 and 2018, based on a standardized World Health Organization/Health Action International (WHO/HAI) methodology adapted to assess availability, patient prices, and affordability of ACT medicines in private retail outlets. A minimum of 30 outlets were surveyed per year as prescribed by the standardized methodology co-developed by the WHO and Health Action International. Availability, patient prices, and affordability of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) was also tracked from 2012 following the rollout of the test and treat policy in 2010. The median patient prices for the artemisinin-based combinations and RDTs was calculated in US dollars (USD). Affordability was assessed by computing the number of days’ wages the lowest-paid government worker (LPGW) had to pay to purchase a treatment course for acute malaria. Results Availability of artemether/lumefantrine (A/L), the first-line ACT medicine, increased from 85 to100% in the private sector facilities during the study period. However, there was low availability of diagnostic tests in private sector facilities ranging between 13% (2012) and 37% (2018). There was a large reduction in patient prices for an adult treatment course of A/L from USD 8.8 in 2007 to USD 1.1 in 2018, while the price of diagnostics remained mostly stagnant at USD 0.5. The affordability of ACT medicines and RDTs was below one day’s wages for LPGW. Conclusions Availability of ACT medicines in the private sector medicines retail outlets increased to 100% while the availability of diagnostics remained low. Although malaria treatment was affordable, the price of diagnostics remained stagnant and increased the cumulative cost of malaria management. Malaria stakeholders should consolidate the gains made and consider the inclusion of diagnostic kits in the subsidy programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Kibira
- Utrecht Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands. .,Coalition for Health Promotion and Social Development (HEPS-Uganda), Plot 351A, Balintuma Road, Namirembe Hill, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Anthony Ssebagereka
- Coalition for Health Promotion and Social Development (HEPS-Uganda), Plot 351A, Balintuma Road, Namirembe Hill, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Hendrika A van den Ham
- Utrecht Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jimmy Opigo
- National Malaria Control Division, Ministry of Health, Uganda, Plot 6 Lourdel Road, Wandegeya, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Henry Katamba
- National Malaria Control Division, Ministry of Health, Uganda, Plot 6 Lourdel Road, Wandegeya, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Morries Seru
- National Malaria Control Division, Ministry of Health, Uganda, Plot 6 Lourdel Road, Wandegeya, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Tim Reed
- Health Action International, Overtoom 60, 1054 HK, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hubert G Leufkens
- Utrecht Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Aukje K Mantel-Teeuwisse
- Utrecht Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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16
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Tindana P, de Haan F, Amaratunga C, Dhorda M, van der Pluijm RW, Dondorp AM, Cheah PY. Deploying triple artemisinin-based combination therapy (TACT) for malaria treatment in Africa: ethical and practical considerations. Malar J 2021; 20:119. [PMID: 33639946 PMCID: PMC7910789 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03649-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Africa, particularly in children under five years of age. Availability of effective anti-malarial drug treatment is a cornerstone for malaria control and eventual malaria elimination. Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is worldwide the first-line treatment for uncomplicated falciparum malaria, but the ACT drugs are starting to fail in Southeast Asia because of drug resistance. Resistance to artemisinins and their partner drugs could spread from Southeast Asia to Africa or emerge locally, jeopardizing the progress made in malaria control with the increasing deployment of ACT in Africa. The development of triple artemisinin-based combination therapy (TACT) could contribute to mitigating the risks of artemisinin and partner drug resistance on the African continent. However, there are pertinent ethical and practical issues that ought to be taken into consideration. In this paper, the most important ethical tensions, some implementation practicalities and preliminary thoughts on addressing them are discussed. The discussion draws upon data from randomized clinical studies using TACT combined with ethical principles, published literature and lessons learned from the introduction of artemisinin-based combinations in African markets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Tindana
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG13, Legon, Ghana
| | - Freek de Haan
- Innovation Studies Group, Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Chanaki Amaratunga
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Center for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mehul Dhorda
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Center for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rob W van der Pluijm
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Center for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Arjen M Dondorp
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Center for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Phaik Yeong Cheah
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. .,Center for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Kodaolu MY, Fagbamigbe AF, Ajayi IO. Stocking pattern for anti-malarial medications among proprietary patent medicine vendors in Akinyele Local Government Area, Ibadan, Nigeria. Malar J 2020; 19:279. [PMID: 32746914 PMCID: PMC7398199 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03350-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Policymakers have recognized that proprietary patent medicine vendors (PPMVs) can provide an opportunity for effective scaling up of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) since they constitute a major source of malaria treatment in Nigeria. This study was designed to determine the stocking pattern for anti-malarial medications, knowledge of the recommended anti-malarial medicine among PPMVs in Akinyele Local Government Area (LGA) of Oyo State, Nigeria and their perception on ways to improve PPMV adherence to stocking ACT medicines. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 320 PPMVs using a mixed method of data collection. Survey respondents were consecutively selected as a complete listing of all the PPMVs was not available. A pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data and two focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted among PPMVs using a pretested FGD guide. Results Most PPMVs stocked artemether-lumefantrine (90.9%), dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (5.3%) and artesunate-amodiaquine (2.8%). Drugs contrary to the policy, which included sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, chloroquine, quinine, halofantrine, artesunate, and artemether were stocked by 93.8, 22.8, 0.6, 1.3, 6.6, and 7.8% of the PPMVs, respectively. Most PPMVs (96.3%) had good knowledge of artemether-lumefantrine as the first-line treatment for malaria and 2.8% had good knowledge of artesunate-amodiaquine as the alternate treatment for malaria. The major factors influencing stocking decision were government recommendations (41.3%) and consumer demand (40.30%). Conclusion Stocking of artemisinin-based combinations was high among PPMVs, although they also stocked and dispensed other anti-malarial drugs and this has serious implications for drug resistance development. The PPMVs had considerable knowledge of the recommended treatment for uncomplicated malaria and stocking decisions were overwhelmingly driven by consumer demand. However, there is a need for more enlightenment on discontinuation of government-banned anti-malarial drugs.
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Mbonye AK, Awor P, Kayendeke M, Hansen KS, Magnussen P, Clarke SE. Management of Childhood Infections in Poorly Planned Urban Settlements in Kampala and Wakiso Districts of Uganda. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 103:1681-1690. [PMID: 32876007 PMCID: PMC7543823 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The main objective of this study was to assess the management of childhood infections in high-density poorly planned urban areas of Kampala and Wakiso districts in Uganda, to develop a strategy to deliver integrated community case management (iCCM) of childhood illness services. A total of 72 private healthcare facilities were surveyed (36 drug shops, eight pharmacies, 27 private clinics, and one herbal clinic); supplemented by focus group discussions with village health teams (VHTs), drug shops, and private clinic providers. The majority of drug shops (96.4%, 27/28), pharmacies (100%, 8/8), and (68%, private clinics 17/27) were registered; however, supervision was poor. The majority of patients (> 77%) who visited private health facilities were children aged < 5 years. Furthermore, over 80% (29/64) of the children with uncomplicated malaria were reported to have been given artemether–lumefantrine, and 42% with difficulty breathing were given an antibiotic. Although > 72% providers said they referred children with severe illnesses, taking up referral was complicated by poverty, long distances, and the perception that there were inadequate drugs at referral facilities. Less than 38% of all the facilities had malaria treatment guidelines; < 15% had iCCM guidelines; 6% of the drug shops had iCCM guidelines; and < 13% of the facilities had pneumonia and diarrhea treatment guidelines. Village health teams existed in the study areas, although they had little knowledge on causes and prevention of pneumonia. In conclusion, this study found that quality of care was poor and introduction of iCCM delivered through VHTs, drug shops, and private clinics may, with proper training and support, be a feasible intervention to improve care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony K Mbonye
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Phyllis Awor
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Kristian S Hansen
- Department of Public Health, Centre for Health Economics and Policy, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pascal Magnussen
- Institute for Immunology and Microbiology, Centre for Medical Parasitology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sian E Clarke
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Wang W, Yao J, Chen Z, Sun Y, Shi Y, Wei Y, Zhou H, Yu Y, Li S, Duan L. Methnaridine is an orally bioavailable, fast-killing and long-acting antimalarial agent that cures Plasmodium infections in mice. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:5569-5579. [PMID: 32959888 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Malaria is one of the deadliest diseases in the world. Novel chemotherapeutic agents are urgently required to combat the widespread Plasmodium resistance to frontline drugs. Here, we report the discovery of a novel benzonaphthyridine antimalarial, methnaridine, which was identified using a structural optimization strategy. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH An integrated pharmacological approach was used to evaluate the antimalarial profile of methnaridine. The pharmacokinetic properties of methnaridine were investigated along with the associated safety profile. Host immune response patterns were also analysed. KEY RESULTS Methnaridine exhibited potent antimalarial activity against P. falciparum (3D7: IC50 = 0.0066 μM; Dd2: IC50 = 0.0056 μM). In P. berghei-infected mice, oral administration effectively suppressed parasitemia (ED50 = 0.52 mg·kg-1 ·day-1 ) and cured the established infection (CD50 = 10.13 mg·kg-1 ·day-1 ). These results are equivalent to or better than those of other antimalarial agents in clinical use. Notably, a four-dose oral regimen at a dosage of 25 mg·kg-1 achieved a complete cure of P. berghei infection in mice. Methnaridine exhibited a rapid parasiticidal profile (PCT99 = 36.0 h) and showed no cross-resistance to chloroquine. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed that methnaridine is readily absorbed, long-lasting and slowly cleared. The safety profile of methnaridine is also satisfactory (maximum tolerated dose = 1,125 mg·kg-1 ). In addition, following methnaridine treatment, infection-induced Th1 immune response was almost fully alleviated in mice. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Methnaridine is an orally bioavailable, fast-acting and long-lasting agent with excellent antimalarial properties. Our study highlights the potential of methnaridine for clinical development as a promising antimalarial candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weisi Wang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Key Laboratory of Parasitology and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Junmin Yao
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Key Laboratory of Parasitology and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiming Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuqing Shi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yufen Wei
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Key Laboratory of Parasitology and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Hejun Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Key Laboratory of Parasitology and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingfang Yu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Key Laboratory of Parasitology and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Shizhu Li
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Key Laboratory of Parasitology and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Liping Duan
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Key Laboratory of Parasitology and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai, China
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20
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Zhang X, Meng R, Wang H, Xing J. Differential Effects of Components in Artemisia annua Extract on the Induction of Drug-Metabolizing Enzyme Expression Mediated by Nuclear Receptors. PLANTA MEDICA 2020; 86:867-875. [PMID: 32557519 DOI: 10.1055/a-1178-0852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Artemisia annua tea is a popular dosage form used to treat and prevent malaria in some developing countries. However, repeated drinking leads to an obviously decreased efficacy, which may be related to the induction of metabolizing enzymes by artemisinin. In the present study, the ability of different components in A. annua to activate the pregnane X receptor and constitutive androstane receptor was evaluated by the dual luciferase reporter gene system. The changes in mRNA and protein expression of CYP3A4 and CYP2B6 were determined by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting. Results showed that in the pregnane X receptor-mediated CYP3A4 reporter gene system, chrysosplenetin and arteannuin B exhibited a weak induction effect on pregnane X receptor wt, while arteannuin A had a strong induction effect on pregnane X receptor wt and pregnane X receptor 370 and a weak induction effect on pregnane X receptor 163. In the pregnane X receptor-mediated CYP2B6 reporter gene system, arteannuin A had a moderate induction effect on pregnane X receptor wt and pregnane X receptor 379, and a weak induction effect on pregnane X receptor 403, while arteannuin B had a weak induction effect on pregnane X receptor wt and pregnane X receptor 379. Arteannuin A had a strong induction effect on constitutive androstane receptor 3 in constitutive androstane receptor-mediated CYP3A4/2B6 reporter gene systems, while arteannuin B showed a weak induction effect on constitutive androstane receptor 3 in the constitutive androstane receptor-mediated CYP2B6 reporter gene system. The mRNA and protein expressions of CYP3A4 and CYP2B6 were increased when the pregnane X receptor or constitutive androstane receptor was activated. Various components present in A. annua differentially affect the activities of pregnane X receptor isoforms and the constitutive androstane receptor, which indicates the possibility of a drug-drug interaction. This partly explains the decline in efficacy after repeated drinking of A. annua tea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueli Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, R. P. China
| | - Ran Meng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, R. P. China
| | - Haina Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, R. P. China
| | - Jie Xing
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, R. P. China
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21
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Sargin G, Yavaşoğlu Sİ, Yavasoglu I. Is Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) seen less in countries more exposed to Malaria? Med Hypotheses 2020; 140:109756. [PMID: 32344306 PMCID: PMC7175881 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.109756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gokhan Sargin
- Department of Rheumatology, Aydın Adnan Menderes University School of Medicine, 09100 Efeler, Aydın, Turkey
| | - Sare İlknur Yavaşoğlu
- Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Science and Letters, Department of Ecology, 09100 Efeler, Aydın, Turkey
| | - Irfan Yavasoglu
- Department of Hematology, Aydın Adnan Menderes University School of Medicine, 09100, Efeler, Aydın, Turkey
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22
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Ozawa S, Haynie DG, Bessias S, Laing SK, Ngamasana EL, Yemeke TT, Evans DR. Modeling the Economic Impact of Substandard and Falsified Antimalarials in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 100:1149-1157. [PMID: 30675851 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Substandard and falsified medicines pose significant risks to global health, including increased deaths, prolonged treatments, and growing drug resistance. Antimalarials are one of the most common medications to be of poor quality in low- and middle-income countries. We assessed the health and economic impact of substandard and falsified antimalarials for children less than 5 years of age in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has one of the world's highest malaria mortality rates. We developed an agent-based model to simulate patient care-seeking behavior and medicine supply chain processes to examine the impact of antimalarial quality in Kinshasa province and Katanga region. We simulated the impact of potential interventions to improve medicinal quality, reduce stockouts, or educate caregivers. We estimated that substandard and falsified antimalarials are responsible for $20.9 million (35% of $59.6 million; 95% CI: $20.7-$21.2 million) in malaria costs in Kinshasa province and $130 million (43% of $301 million; $129-$131 million) in malaria costs in the Katanga region annually. If drug resistance to artemisinin were to develop, total annual costs of malaria could increase by $17.9 million (30%; $17.7-$18.0 million) and $73 million (24%; $72.2-$72.8 million) in Kinshasa and Katanga, respectively. Replacing substandard and falsified antimalarials with good quality medicines had a larger impact than interventions that prevented stockouts or educated caregivers. The results highlight the importance of improving access to good quality antimalarials to reduce the burden of malaria and mitigate the development of antimalarial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachiko Ozawa
- Division of Practice Advancement and Clinical Education, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Maternal and Child Health, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Deson G Haynie
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Sophia Bessias
- Enterprise Analytics and Data Sciences, University of North Carolina Health Care, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Sarah K Laing
- Division of Practice Advancement and Clinical Education, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Emery Ladi Ngamasana
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Tatenda T Yemeke
- Division of Practice Advancement and Clinical Education, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Daniel R Evans
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
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23
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Schäfermann S, Neci R, Ndze EN, Nyaah F, Pondo VB, Heide L. Availability, prices and affordability of selected antibiotics and medicines against non-communicable diseases in western Cameroon and northeast DR Congo. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227515. [PMID: 31910444 PMCID: PMC6946586 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Access to safe, effective and affordable medicines of good quality is included into the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. Furthermore, WHO has developed a Global Action Plan with the aim to raise access to essential medicines against non-communicable diseases (NCDs) to 80%, and to improve their affordability. In order to contribute to the monitoring of progress towards these goals, the present study investigated the availability and affordability of seven antibiotics and six medicines against non-communicable diseases in the northeast of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the west of the Republic of Cameroon. Data on availability and prices of these medicines were collected in 60 different sites (34 in the DR Congo, 26 in Cameroon), including government health facilities, church health facilities, private pharmacies and informal vendors, as part of a study on medicine quality. The data were analyzed using a standardized procedure developed by WHO and Health Action International (HAI). Average availability of the investigated antibiotics ranged from 62% to 98% in the different types of facilities in both countries, including the informal vendors. Average availability for medicines against NCDs in the different types of facilities showed a higher variation in both countries, ranging from 11% up to 87%. The average availability of medicines against NCDs in government health facilities was only 33% in Cameroon, and as low as 11% in the DR Congo. In contrast, availability of medicines against NCDs in church health facilities in Cameroon was 70%, not far from the 80% availability goal set by WHO. Medicine prices were clearly higher in Cameroon than in the DR Congo, with median price ratios to an international reference price of 5.69 and 2.17, respectively (p < 0.001). In relation to the daily minimum wages in both countries, treatment courses with five of the seven investigated antibiotics could be considered as affordable, while in each country only one out of the five investigated medicines against NCDs could be considered as affordable. Especially generic medicines provided by government and church health facilities showed reasonable affordability in most cases, while originator medicines offered by private pharmacies were clearly unaffordable to a major part of the population. Despite some encouraging findings on the availability of antibiotics in both countries, the availability and affordability of medicines against NCDs urgently requires further improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Schäfermann
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Richard Neci
- Le Dépôt Central Médico-Pharmaceutique de la 8e CEPAC (DCMP), Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Edward Ngah Ndze
- Central Pharmacy, Cameroon Baptist Convention (CBC), Mutengene, Cameroon
| | - Fidelis Nyaah
- Central Pharmacy, Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC), Limbe, Cameroon
| | - Valentin Basolanduma Pondo
- Centrale d'Approvisionnnement et de Distribution des Medicaments Essentiels (CADIMEBU), Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Lutz Heide
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
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24
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Rahimi A, Kassam R, Dang Z, Sekiwunga R. Challenges with accessing health care for young children presumed to have malaria in the rural district of Butaleja, Uganda: a qualitative study. Pharm Pract (Granada) 2019; 17:1622. [PMID: 31897260 PMCID: PMC6935545 DOI: 10.18549/pharmpract.2019.4.1622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: A qualitative study was conducted to gain insight into challenges reported by
Butaleja households during a previous household survey. Specifically, this
paper discusses heads of households’ and caregivers’
perceptions of challenges they face when seeking care for their very young
children with fever presumed to be malaria. Methods: Eleven focus groups (FGs) were carried out with household members (five with
heads of households and six with household caregivers) residing in five
sub-counties located across the district. Purposive sampling was used to
ensure the sample represented the religious diversity and geographical
distance from the peri-urban center of the district. Each FG consisted of
five to six participants. The FGs were conducted at a community centre by
two pairs of researchers residing in the district and who were fluent in
both English and the local dialect of Lunyole. The discussions were
recorded, translated, and transcribed. Transcripts were reviewed and coded
with the assistance of QDA Miner (version 4.0) qualitative data management
software, and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results: The FG discussions identified four major areas of challenges when managing
acute febrile illness in their child under the age of five with presumed
malaria (1) difficulties with getting to public health facilities due to
long geographical distances and lack of affordable transportation; (2) poor
service once at a public health facility, including denial of care, delay in
treatment, and negative experiences with the staff; (3) difficulties with
managing the child’s illness at home, including challenges with
keeping home-stock medicines and administering medicines as prescribed; and
(4) constrained to use private outlets despite their shortcomings. Conclusions: Future interventions may need to look beyond the public health system to
improve case management of childhood malaria at the community level in rural
districts such as Butaleja. Given the difficulties with accessing quality
private health outlets, there is a need to partner with the private sector
to explore feasible models of community-based health insurance programs and
expand the role of informal private providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asa Rahimi
- BSc (Hons). Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia. Vancouver, BC (Canada).
| | - Rosemin Kassam
- BSc Pharm, ACPR, PharmD, PhD. Professor. School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia. Vancouver, BC (Canada).
| | - Zhong Dang
- BSc MBIM. Research Assistant. School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia. Vancouver, BC (Canada).
| | - Richard Sekiwunga
- MSc PRH. Scientist. Child Health and Development Centre, School of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala (Uganda).
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25
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Palafox B, Goodman C, Hanson K. Malaria, medicines and miles: A novel approach to measuring access to treatment from a household perspective. SSM Popul Health 2019; 7:100376. [PMID: 30906843 PMCID: PMC6411512 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2019.100376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Nearly a decade after the adoption of confirmed diagnosis and artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria, a large treatment gap persists. We describe a novel approach of combining data from households and the universe of treatment sources in their vicinities to produce nationally representative indicators of physical and financial access to malaria care from the household's perspective in Benin, Nigeria, Uganda and Zambia. We compare differences in access across urban and rural areas, countries, and over time. In 2009, more urban households had a provider stocking ACT within 5 km than rural households. By 2012, this physical ACT access gap had largely been closed in Uganda, and progress had been made in Benin and Nigeria; but the gap persisted in Zambia. The private sector helped to fill this gap in rural areas. Improvements in Nigeria and Uganda were driven largely by increased ACT availability in licensed drug stores, and in Benin by increased availability in unregulated open-air market stalls. Free or subsidised ACT from public and non-profit facilities continued to be available to many households by 2012, but much less so in rural areas. Where private sector expansion increased physical access to ACT, these additional options were on average more expensive. Also by 2012, the majority of urban households in all four countries had access to a provider nearby offering malaria diagnostic services; however, this access remained low for rural households in Benin, Nigeria and Zambia. The methods developed in this study could improve how access to healthcare is measured in low- and middle-income country settings, particularly where private for-profit providers are an important source of care, and for conditions that may be treated by informal providers. The method could also lead to better explanations of the performance of complex interventions aiming to improve healthcare access.
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Key Words
- ACT, artemisinin combination therapy
- AETD, adult equivalent treatment dose
- AMFm, Affordable Medicines Facility–malaria
- AMT, artemisinin monotherapy
- Access to healthcare
- Antimalarials
- CI, 95% confidence interval
- DHS, Demographic and Health Survey
- Health Equity
- IQR, interquartile range
- Malaria
- PPMV, proprietary patented medicine vendor
- PSU, primary sampling unit
- Population metrics
- Private sector
- Public sector
- RDT, rapid diagnostic test (for malaria)
- USD, United States dollar
- WHO, World Health Organization
- nAT, non-artemisinin therapy
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Palafox
- Department of Global Health & Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine Goodman
- Department of Global Health & Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom
| | - Kara Hanson
- Department of Global Health & Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom
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26
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Ocan M, Akena D, Nsobya S, Kamya MR, Senono R, Kinengyere AA, Obuku EA. Persistence of chloroquine resistance alleles in malaria endemic countries: a systematic review of burden and risk factors. Malar J 2019; 18:76. [PMID: 30871535 PMCID: PMC6419488 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-2716-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chloroquine, a previous highly efficacious, easy to use and affordable anti-malarial agent was withdrawn from malaria endemic regions due to high levels of resistance. This review collated evidence from published-reviewed articles to establish prevalence of Pfcrt 76T and Pfmdr-1 86Y alleles in malaria affected countries following official discontinuation of chloroquine use. Methods A review protocol was developed, registered in PROSPERO (#CRD42018083957) and published in a peer-reviewed journal. Article search was done in PubMed, Scopus, Lilacs/Vhl and Embase databases by two experienced librarians (AK, RS) for the period 1990-to-Febuary 2018. Mesh terms and Boolean operators (AND, OR) were used. Data extraction form was designed in Excel spread sheet 2007. Data extraction was done by three reviewers (NL, BB and MO), discrepancies were resolved by discussion. Random effects analysis was done in Open Meta Analyst software. Heterogeneity was established using I2-statistic. Results A total of 4721 citations were retrieved from article search (Pubmed = 361, Lilac/vhl = 28, Science Direct = 944, Scopus = 3388). Additional targeted search resulted in three (03) eligible articles. After removal of duplicates (n = 523) and screening, 38 articles were included in the final review. Average genotyping success rate was 63.6% (18,343/28,820) for Pfcrt K76T and 93.5% (16,232/17,365) for Pfmdr-1 86Y mutations. Prevalence of Pfcrt 76T was as follows; East Africa 48.9% (2528/5242), Southern Africa 18.6% (373/2163), West Africa 58.3% (3321/6608), Asia 80.2% (1951/2436). Prevalence of Pfmdr-1 86Y was; East Africa 32.4% (1447/5722), Southern Africa 36.1% (544/1640), West Africa 52.2% (1986/4200), Asia 46.4% (1276/2217). Over half, 52.6% (20/38) of included studies reported continued unofficial chloroquine use following policy change. Studies done in Madagascar and Kenya reported re-emergence of chloroquine sensitive parasites (IC50 < 30.9 nM). The average time (years) since discontinuation of chloroquine use to data collection was 8.7 ± 7.4. There was high heterogeneity (I2 > 95%). Conclusion The prevalence of chloroquine resistance alleles among Plasmodium falciparum parasites have steadily declined since discontinuation of chloroquine use. However, Pfcrt K76T and Pfmdr-1 N86Y mutations still persist at moderate frequencies in most malaria affected countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moses Ocan
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda. .,Africa Centre for Systematic Reviews and Knowledge Translation, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Dickens Akena
- Department of Psychiatry, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.,Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, P. O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sam Nsobya
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Moses R Kamya
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Richard Senono
- Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, P. O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda.,Africa Centre for Systematic Reviews and Knowledge Translation, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alison Annet Kinengyere
- Albert Cook Library, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.,Africa Centre for Systematic Reviews and Knowledge Translation, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ekwaro A Obuku
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.,Africa Centre for Systematic Reviews and Knowledge Translation, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.,Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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27
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Welle SC, Ajumobi O, Dairo M, Balogun M, Adewuyi P, Adedokun B, Nguku P, Gidado S, Ajayi I. Preference for Artemisinin-based combination therapy among healthcare providers, Lokoja, North-Central Nigeria. Glob Health Res Policy 2019; 4:1. [PMID: 30680328 PMCID: PMC6339351 DOI: 10.1186/s41256-018-0092-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Nigeria, Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) is the recommended first line antimalarial medicine for uncomplicated malaria. However, health care providers still continue the use of less efficacious medicines such as Sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine and chloroquine. We therefore determined preference for ACT (PFA) and factors associated with PFA among healthcare providers (HCP) in Lokoja, North-Central Nigeria as well as assessed healthcare providers' knowledge of malaria case management. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study among physicians, nurses, pharmacists, community health officers (CHOs), community health extension workers (CHEWs) and, patent and proprietary medicine vendors (PPMVs). Interviewer-administered questionnaires were administered to collect data on respondents' characteristics, previously received malaria case management training and knowledge of malaria treatment. Knowledge scores ≥3 were categorised as good, maximum obtainable being 5. Results Of the 404 respondents, 214 (53.0%) were males. Overall, 219 (54.2%) respondents who received malaria case management training included PPMVs: 79 (65.8%), CHEWs: 25 (64.1%), CHOs: 5 (55.6%), nurses: 72 (48.7%), physicians: 35 (47.3%) and pharmacists: 3 (23.1%). Overall, 202 (50.0%) providers including physicians: 69 (93.2%), CHO: 8 (88.9%), CHEWs: 33 (84.6%), pharmacists: 8 (61.5%), nurses: 64 (43.2%) and PPMVs: 20 (16.5%), had good knowledge of malaria treatment guidelines. Overall, preference for ACT among healthcare providers was 39.6%. Physicians: 50 (67.6%), pharmacists: 7 (59.3%) CHOs: 5 (55.6%), CHEWS: 16 (41.0%), nurses: 56 (37.8%) and PPMV: 24 (19.8%) had PFA. Receiving malaria case management training (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]) = 2.3; CI = 1.4 - 3.7) and having good knowledge of malaria treatment (aOR = 4.0; CI = 2.4 - 6.7) were associated with PFA. Conclusions Overall preference for ACT use was low among health care providers in this study. Preference for ACTs and proportion of health workers with good knowledge of malaria case management were even lower among PPMVs who had highest proportion of those who received malaria case management training. We recommend evaluation of current training quality, enhanced targeted training, follow-up supportive supervision of PPMVs and behavior change communication on ACT use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvanus C Welle
- 1Division of Health Promotion, Department of Family Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria.,Nigeria Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Olufemi Ajumobi
- Nigeria Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme, Abuja, Nigeria.,3African Field Epidemiology Network, Nigeria Country Office, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Magbagbeola Dairo
- 4Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Muhammad Balogun
- Nigeria Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme, Abuja, Nigeria.,3African Field Epidemiology Network, Nigeria Country Office, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Peter Adewuyi
- Liberia Field Epidemiology Training Programme, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Babatunde Adedokun
- 4Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Patrick Nguku
- Nigeria Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme, Abuja, Nigeria.,3African Field Epidemiology Network, Nigeria Country Office, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Saheed Gidado
- Nigeria Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme, Abuja, Nigeria.,3African Field Epidemiology Network, Nigeria Country Office, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - IkeOluwapo Ajayi
- Nigeria Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme, Abuja, Nigeria.,4Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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28
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Mayora C, Kitutu FE, Kandala NB, Ekirapa-Kiracho E, Peterson SS, Wamani H. Private retail drug shops: what they are, how they operate, and implications for health care delivery in rural Uganda. BMC Health Serv Res 2018; 18:532. [PMID: 29986729 PMCID: PMC6038354 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-018-3343-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Retail drug shops play a significant role in managing pediatric fevers in rural areas in Uganda. Targeted interventions to improve drug seller practices require understanding of the retail drug shop market and motivations that influence practices. This study aimed at describing the operational environment in relation to the Uganda National Drug Authority guidelines for setup of drug shops; characteristics, and dispensing practices of private retail drug shops in managing febrile conditions among under-five children in rural western Uganda. Methods Cross sectional survey of 74 registered drug shops, observation checklist, and 428 exit interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire with care-seekers of children under five years of age, who sought care at drug shops during the survey period. The survey was conducted in Mbarara and Bushenyi districts, South Western Uganda, in May 2013. Results Up to 90 and 79% of surveyed drug shops in Mbarara and Bushenyi, largely operate in premises that meet National Drug Authority requirements for operational suitability and ensuring medicines safety and quality. Drug shop attendants had some health or medical related training with 60% in Mbarara and 59% in Bushenyi being nurses or midwives. The rest were clinical officers, pharmacists. The most commonly stocked medicines at drug shops were Paracetamol, Quinine, Cough syrup, ORS/Zinc, Amoxicillin syrup, Septrin® syrup, Artemisinin-based combination therapies, and multivitamins, among others. Decisions on what medicines to stock were influenced by among others: recommended medicines from Ministry of Health, consumer demand, most profitable medicines, and seasonal disease patterns. Dispensing decisions were influenced by: prescriptions presented by client, patients’ finances, and patient preferences, among others. Most drug shops surveyed had clinical guidelines, iCCM guidelines, malaria and diarrhea treatment algorithms and charts as recommended by the Ministry of Health. Some drug shops offered additional services such as immunization and sold non-medical goods, as a mechanism for diversification. Conclusion Most drug shops premises adhered to the recommended guidelines. Market factors, including client demand and preferences, pricing and profitability, and seasonality largely influenced dispensing and stocking practices. Improving retail drug shop practices and quality of services, requires designing and implementing both supply-side and demand side strategies. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12913-018-3343-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrispus Mayora
- School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, 27 St. Andrews Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa. .,Department of Health Policy Planning and Management, Makerere University School of Public Health, PO Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Freddy Eric Kitutu
- Department of Pharmacy, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, International Maternal and Child Health, Uppsala University, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ngianga-Bakwin Kandala
- School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, 27 St. Andrews Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa.,Department of Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Elizabeth Ekirapa-Kiracho
- Department of Health Policy Planning and Management, Makerere University School of Public Health, PO Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Stefan Swartling Peterson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, International Maternal and Child Health, Uppsala University, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden.,Karolinska Institutet, Department of Public Health Sciences, Health System and Policy Research Group, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Henry Wamani
- Department of Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, Makerere University School of Public Health, PO Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
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Nkoli Mandoko P, Sinou V, Moke Mbongi D, Ngoyi Mumba D, Kahunu Mesia G, Losimba Likwela J, Bi Shamamba Karhemere S, Muepu Tshilolo L, Tamfum Muyembe JJ, Parzy D. Access to artemisinin-based combination therapies and other anti-malarial drugs in Kinshasa. Med Mal Infect 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medmal.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Thomson R, Johanes B, Festo C, Kalolella A, Taylor M, Tougher S, Ye Y, Mann A, Ren R, Bruxvoort K, Willey B, Arnold F, Hanson K, Goodman C. An assessment of the malaria-related knowledge and practices of Tanzania's drug retailers: exploring the impact of drug store accreditation. BMC Health Serv Res 2018; 18:169. [PMID: 29523139 PMCID: PMC5845369 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-018-2966-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since 2003 Tanzania has upgraded its approximately 7000 drug stores to Accredited Drug Dispensing Outlets (ADDOs), involving dispenser training, introduction of record keeping and enhanced regulation. Prior to accreditation, drug stores could officially stock over-the-counter medicines only, though many stocked prescription-only antimalarials. ADDOs are permitted to stock 49 prescription-only medicines, including artemisinin combination therapies and one form of quinine injectable. Oral artemisinin monotherapies and other injectables were not permitted at any time. By late 2011 conversion was complete in 14 of 21 regions. We explored variation in malaria-related knowledge and practices of drug retailers in ADDO and non-ADDO regions. METHODS Data were collected as part of the Independent Evaluation of the Affordable Medicines Facility - malaria (AMFm), involving a nationally representative survey of antimalarial retailers in October-December 2011. We randomly selected 49 wards and interviewed all drug stores stocking antimalarials. We compare ADDO and non-ADDO regions, excluding the largest city, Dar es Salaam, due to the unique characteristics of its market. RESULTS Interviews were conducted in 133 drug stores in ADDO regions and 119 in non-ADDO regions. Staff qualifications were very similar in both areas. There was no significant difference in the availability of the first line antimalarial (68.9% in ADDO regions and 65.2% in non-ADDO regions); both areas had over 98% availability of non-artemisinin therapies and below 3.0% of artemisinin monotherapies. Staff in ADDO regions had better knowledge of the first line antimalarial than non-ADDO regions (99.5% and 91.5%, p = 0.001). There was weak evidence of a lower price and higher market share of the first line antimalarial in ADDO regions. Drug stores in ADDO regions were more likely to stock ADDO-certified injectables than those in non-ADDO regions (23.0% and 3.9%, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS ADDO conversion is frequently cited as a model for improving retail sector drug provision. Drug stores in ADDO regions performed better on some indicators, possibly indicating some small benefits from ADDO conversion, but also weaknesses in ADDO regulation and high staff turnover. More evidence is needed on the value-added and value for money of the ADDO roll out to inform retail policy in Tanzania and elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Mark Taylor
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- International Health Division, ICF International, Calverton, MD USA
| | - Sarah Tougher
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Yazoume Ye
- Department of Public Health, Trnava University, Trnava, Slovakia
| | - Andrea Mann
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ruilin Ren
- Department of Public Health, Trnava University, Trnava, Slovakia
| | | | - Barbara Willey
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Fred Arnold
- Department of Public Health, Trnava University, Trnava, Slovakia
| | - Kara Hanson
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Agyepong IA, Sewankambo N, Binagwaho A, Coll-Seck AM, Corrah T, Ezeh A, Fekadu A, Kilonzo N, Lamptey P, Masiye F, Mayosi B, Mboup S, Muyembe JJ, Pate M, Sidibe M, Simons B, Tlou S, Gheorghe A, Legido-Quigley H, McManus J, Ng E, O'Leary M, Enoch J, Kassebaum N, Piot P. The path to longer and healthier lives for all Africans by 2030: the Lancet Commission on the future of health in sub-Saharan Africa. Lancet 2017; 390:2803-2859. [PMID: 28917958 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(17)31509-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Revised: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Akua Agyepong
- Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana; Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, Public Health Faculty, Accra, Ghana
| | | | | | | | | | - Alex Ezeh
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Abebaw Fekadu
- Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Nduku Kilonzo
- National AIDS Control Council, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Peter Lamptey
- FHI360, Durham, NC, USA; London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Felix Masiye
- Department of Economics, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Bongani Mayosi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Souleymane Mboup
- Institut de Recherche en Santé, de Surveillance Epidémiologique et de Formation, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | | | | | | | - Sheila Tlou
- Regional Support Team for Eastern and Southern Africa, UNAIDS, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Adrian Gheorghe
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Oxford Policy Management, Oxford, UK
| | - Helena Legido-Quigley
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Edmond Ng
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Jamie Enoch
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Nicholas Kassebaum
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Peter Piot
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
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Musuva A, Ejersa W, Kiptui R, Memusi D, Abwao E. The malaria testing and treatment landscape in Kenya: results from a nationally representative survey among the public and private sector in 2016. Malar J 2017; 16:494. [PMID: 29268789 PMCID: PMC5740898 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-2089-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Since 2004, Kenya’s national malaria treatment guidelines have stipulated artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) as first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria, and since 2014, confirmatory diagnosis of malaria in all cases before treatment has been recommended. A number of strategies to support national guidelines have been implemented in the public and private sectors in recent years. A nationally-representative malaria outlet survey, implemented across four epidemiological zones, was conducted between June and August 2016 to provide practical evidence to inform strategies and policies in Kenya towards achieving national malaria control goals. Results A total of 17,852 outlets were screened and 2271 outlets were eligible and interviewed. 78.3% of all screened public health facilities stocked both malaria diagnostic testing and quality-assured ACT (QAACT). Sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (SP) for intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy was available in 70% of public health facilities in endemic areas where it is recommended for treatment. SP was rarely found in the public sector outside of the endemic areas (< 0.5%). The anti-malaria stocking private sector had lower levels of QAACT (46.7%) and malaria blood testing (20.8%) availability but accounted for majority of anti-malarial distribution (70.6% of the national market share). More than 40% of anti-malarials were distributed by unregistered pharmacies (37.3%) and general retailers (7.1%). QAACT accounted for 58.2% of the total anti-malarial market share, while market share for non-QAACT was 15.8% and for SP, 24.8%. In endemic areas, 74.9% of anti-malarials distributed were QAACT. Elsewhere, QAACT market share was 49.4% in the endemic-prone areas, 33.2% in seasonal-transmission areas and 37.9% in low-risk areas. Conclusion Although public sector availability of QAACT and malaria diagnosis is relatively high, there is a gap in availability of both testing and treatment that must be addressed. The private sector in Kenya, where the majority of anti-malarials are distributed, is also critical for achieving universal coverage with appropriate malaria case management. There is need for a renewed commitment and effective strategies to ensure access to affordable QAACT and confirmatory testing in the private sector, and should consider how to address malaria case management among informal providers responsible for a substantial proportion of the anti-malarial market share. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12936-017-2089-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anne Musuva
- Population Services Kenya (PS/Kenya), 2nd Floor, Wing B, Jumuia Place, Lenana Road, P.O. Box 22591-00400, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Waqo Ejersa
- National Malaria Control Programme, Kenya KNH Grounds, P.O. Box 20750, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rebecca Kiptui
- National Malaria Control Programme, Kenya KNH Grounds, P.O. Box 20750, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dorothy Memusi
- National Malaria Control Programme, Kenya KNH Grounds, P.O. Box 20750, Nairobi, Kenya
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Hansen KS, Clarke SE, Lal S, Magnussen P, Mbonye AK. Cost-effectiveness analysis of introducing malaria diagnostic testing in drug shops: A cluster-randomised trial in Uganda. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0189758. [PMID: 29244829 PMCID: PMC5731679 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Private sector drug shops are an important source of malaria treatment in Africa, yet diagnosis without parasitological testing is common among these providers. Accurate rapid diagnostic tests for malaria (mRDTs) require limited training and present an opportunity to increase access to correct diagnosis. The present study was a cost-effectiveness analysis of the introduction of mRDTs in Ugandan drug shops. METHODS Drug shop vendors were trained to perform and sell subsidised mRDTs and artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) in the intervention arm while vendors offered ACTs following presumptive diagnosis of malaria in the control arm. The effect on the proportion of customers with fever 'appropriately treated of malaria with ACT' was captured during a randomised trial in drug shops in Mukono District, Uganda. Health sector costs included: training of drug shop vendors, community sensitisation, supervision and provision of mRDTs and ACTs to drug shops. Household costs of treatment-seeking were captured in a representative sample of drug shop customers. FINDINGS The introduction of mRDTs in drug shops was associated with a large improvement of diagnosis and treatment of malaria, resulting in low incremental costs for the health sector at US$0.55 per patient appropriately treated of malaria. High expenditure on non-ACT drugs by households contributed to higher incremental societal costs of US$3.83. Sensitivity analysis showed that mRDTs would become less cost-effective compared to presumptive diagnosis with increasing malaria prevalence and lower adherence to negative mRDT results. CONCLUSION mRDTs in drug shops improved the targeting of ACTs to malaria patients and are likely to be considered cost-effective compared to presumptive diagnosis, although the increased costs borne by households when the test result is negative are a concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Schultz Hansen
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Public Health, Section for Health Services Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Siân E. Clarke
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sham Lal
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pascal Magnussen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anthony K. Mbonye
- Directorate of Clinical and Community Services, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Ujuju C, Anyanti J, Newton PN, Ntadom G. When it just won't go away: oral artemisinin monotherapy in Nigeria, threatening lives, threatening progress. Malar J 2017; 16:489. [PMID: 29246208 PMCID: PMC5732368 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-2102-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Oral artemisinin monotherapy (AMT), an important contributor to multi-drug resistant malaria, has been banned in Nigeria. While oral AMT has scarcely been found for several years now in other malaria-endemic countries, availability has persisted in Nigeria’s private sector. In 2015, the ACTwatch project conducted a nationally representative outlet survey. Results from the outlet survey show the extent to which oral AMT prevails in Nigeria’s anti-malarial market, and provide key product information to guide strategies for removal. Results Between August 10th and October 3rd, 2015 a total of 13,480 outlets were screened for availability of anti-malarials and/or malaria blood testing services. Among the 3624 anti-malarial outlets, 33,539 anti-malarial products were audited, of which 1740 were oral AMT products, primarily artesunate (n = 1731). Oral AMT was imported from three different countries (Vietnam, China and India), representing six different manufacturers and 11 different brands. Availability of oral AMT was highest among pharmacies (84.0%) and Patent Propriety Medicine Vendors (drug stores, PPMVs) (38.7%), and rarely found in the public sector (2.0%). Oral AMT consisted of 2.5% of the national anti-malarial market share. Of all oral AMT sold or distributed, 52.3% of the market share comprised of a Vietnamese product, Artesunat®, manufactured by Mekophar Chemical Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company. A further 35.1% of the market share were products from China, produced by three different manufacturers and 12.5% were from India by one manufacturer, Medrel Pharmaceuticals. Most of the oral AMT was distributed by PPMVs accounting for 82.2% of the oral AMT market share. The median price for a package of artesunate ($1.78) was slightly more expensive than the price of quality-assured (QA) artemether lumefantrine (AL) for an adult ($1.52). The median price for a package of artesunate suspension ($2.54) was three times more expensive than the price of a package of QA AL for a child ($0.76). Conclusion Oral AMT is commonly available in Nigeria’s private sector. Cessation of oral AMT registration and enforcement of the oral AMT ban for removal from the private sector are needed in Nigeria. Strategies to effectively halt production and export are needed in Vietnam, China and India. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12936-017-2102-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chinazo Ujuju
- Society for Family Health, No 8 Port Harcourt Crescent, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Jennifer Anyanti
- Society for Family Health, No 8 Port Harcourt Crescent, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Paul N Newton
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WCH 9SH, UK.,Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Research Unit, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao PDR & Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Godwin Ntadom
- National Malaria Elimination Programme, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria
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Galactionova K, Smith TA, de Savigny D, Penny MA. State of inequality in malaria intervention coverage in sub-Saharan African countries. BMC Med 2017; 15:185. [PMID: 29041940 PMCID: PMC5646111 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-017-0948-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scale-up of malaria interventions over the last decade have yielded a significant reduction in malaria transmission and disease burden in sub-Saharan Africa. We estimated economic gradients in the distribution of these efforts and of their impacts within and across endemic countries. METHODS Using Demographic and Health Surveys we computed equity metrics to characterize the distribution of malaria interventions in 30 endemic countries proxying economic position with an asset-wealth index. Gradients were summarized in a concentration index, tabulated against level of coverage, and compared among interventions, across countries, and against respective trends over the period 2005-2015. RESULTS There remain broad differences in coverage of malaria interventions and their distribution by wealth within and across countries. In most, economic gradients are lacking or favor the poorest for vector control; malaria services delivered through the formal healthcare sector are much less equitable. Scale-up of interventions in many countries improved access across the wealth continuum; in some, these efforts consistently prioritized the poorest. Expansions in control programs generally narrowed coverage gaps between economic strata; gradients persist in countries where growth was slower in the poorest quintile or where baseline inequality was large. Despite progress, malaria is consistently concentrated in the poorest, with the degree of inequality in burden far surpassing that expected given gradients in the distribution of interventions. CONCLUSIONS Economic gradients in the distribution of interventions persist over time, limiting progress toward equity in malaria control. We found that, in countries with large baseline inequality in the distribution of interventions, even a small bias in expansion favoring the least poor yielded large gradients in intervention coverage while pro-poor growth failed to close the gap between the poorest and least poor. We demonstrated that dimensions of disadvantage compound for the poor; a lack of economic gradients in the distribution of malaria services does not translate to equity in coverage nor can it be interpreted to imply equity in distribution of risk or disease burden. Our analysis testifies to the progress made by countries in narrowing economic gradients in malaria interventions and highlights the scope for continued monitoring of programs with respect to equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katya Galactionova
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Thomas A Smith
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Don de Savigny
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Melissa A Penny
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Babigumira JB, Lubinga SJ, Jenny AM, Larsen-Cooper E, Crawford J, Matemba C, Stergachis A. Impact of pharmacy worker training and deployment on access to essential medicines for children under five in Malawi: a cluster quasi-experimental evaluation. BMC Health Serv Res 2017; 17:638. [PMID: 28893243 PMCID: PMC5594492 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-017-2530-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor access to essential medicines is common in many low- and middle-income countries, partly due to an insufficient and inadequately trained workforce to manage the medicines supply chain. We conducted a prospective impact evaluation of the training and deployment of pharmacy assistants (PAs) to rural health centers in Malawi. METHODS A quasi-experimental design was used to compare access to medicines in two districts where newly trained PAs were deployed to health centers (intervention) and two districts with no trained PAs at health centers (comparison). A baseline household survey and two annual post-intervention household surveys were conducted. We studied children under five years with a history of fever, cough and difficulty in breathing, and diarrhea in the previous two weeks. We collected data on access to antimalarials, antibiotics and oral rehydration salts (ORS) during the childrens' symptomatic periods. We used difference-in-differences regression models to estimate the impact of PA training and deployment on access to medicines. RESULTS We included 3974 children across the three rounds of annual surveys: 1840 (46%) in the districts with PAs deployed at health centers and 2096 (53%) in districts with no PAs deployed at health centers. Approximately 80% of children had a fever, nearly 30% had a cough, and 43% had diarrhea in the previous two weeks. In the first year of the program, the presence of a PA led to a significant 74% increase in the odds of access to any antimalarial, and a significant 49% increase in the odds of access to artemisinin combination therapies. This effect was restricted to the first year post-intervention. There was no effect of presence of a PA on access to antibiotics or ORS. CONCLUSION The training and deployment of pharmacy assistants to rural health centers in Malawi increased access to antimalarial medications over the first year, but the effect was attenuated over the second year. Pharmacy assistants training and deployment demonstrated no impact on access to antibiotics for pneumonia or oral rehydration salts for diarrhea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph B Babigumira
- Global Medicines Program, Departments of Global Health and Pharmacy, University of Washington, Harris Hydraulics Building 1510 San Juan Road, Box 357965, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA. .,Pharmaceutical Outcomes Research and Policy Program, Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Solomon J Lubinga
- Global Medicines Program, Departments of Global Health and Pharmacy, University of Washington, Harris Hydraulics Building 1510 San Juan Road, Box 357965, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.,Pharmaceutical Outcomes Research and Policy Program, Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alisa M Jenny
- Global Medicines Program, Departments of Global Health and Pharmacy, University of Washington, Harris Hydraulics Building 1510 San Juan Road, Box 357965, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | | | | | | | - Andy Stergachis
- Global Medicines Program, Departments of Global Health and Pharmacy, University of Washington, Harris Hydraulics Building 1510 San Juan Road, Box 357965, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.,Pharmaceutical Outcomes Research and Policy Program, Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Ladner J, Davis B, Audureau E, Saba J. Treatment-seeking patterns for malaria in pharmacies in five sub-Saharan African countries. Malar J 2017; 16:353. [PMID: 28851358 PMCID: PMC5574241 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-1997-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is recommended as the first-line anti-malarial treatment strategy in sub-Saharan African countries. WHO policy recommends parasitological confirmation by microscopy or rapid diagnostic test (RDT) in all cases of suspected malaria prior to treatment. Gaps remain in understanding the factors that influence patient treatment-seeking behaviour and anti-malarial drug purchase decisions in the private sector. The objective of this study was to identify patient treatment-seeking behaviour in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda. Methods Face-to-face patient interviews were conducted at a total of 208 randomly selected retail outlets in five countries. At each outlet, exit interviews were conducted with five patients who indicated they had come seeking anti-malarial treatment. The questionnaire was anonymous and standardized in the five countries and collected data on different factors, including socio-demographic characteristics, history of illness, diagnostic practices (i.e. microscopy or RDT), prescription practices and treatment purchase. The price paid for the treatment was also collected from the outlet vendor. Results A total of 994 patients were included from the five countries. Location of malaria diagnosis was significantly different in the five countries. A total of 484 blood diagnostic tests were performed, (72.3% with microscopy and 27.7% with RDT). ACTs were purchased by 72.5% of patients who had undergone blood testing and 86.5% of patients without a blood test, regardless of whether the test result was positive or negative (p < 10−4). A total of 531 patients (53.4%) had an anti-malarial drug prescription, of which 82.9% were prescriptions for an ACT. There were significant differences in prescriptions by country. A total of 923 patients (92.9%) purchased anti-malarial drugs in an outlet, including 79.1% of patients purchasing an ACT drug: 98.0% in Ghana, 90.5% in Kenya, 80.4% in Nigeria, 69.2% in Tanzania, and 57.7% in Uganda (p < 10−4). Having a drug prescription was not a significant predictive factor associated with an ACT drug purchase (except in Kenya). The number of ACT drugs purchased with a prescription was greater than the number purchased without a prescription in Kenya, Nigeria and Tanzania. Conclusions This study highlights differences in drug prescription and purchase patterns in five sub-Saharan African countries. The private sector is playing an increasingly important role in fever case management in sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding the characteristics of private retail outlets and the role they play in providing anti-malaria drugs may support the design of effective malaria interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joël Ladner
- Rouen University Hospital, Epidemiology and Health Promotion Department, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, 1 Rue de Germont, 76 031, Rouen Cedex, France.
| | | | - Etienne Audureau
- Paris Est University Hôpital, Henri Mondor Hospital, Public Health, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France
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Bennett A, Avanceña ALV, Wegbreit J, Cotter C, Roberts K, Gosling R. Engaging the private sector in malaria surveillance: a review of strategies and recommendations for elimination settings. Malar J 2017; 16:252. [PMID: 28615026 PMCID: PMC5471855 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-1901-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In malaria elimination settings, all malaria cases must be identified, documented and investigated. To facilitate complete and timely reporting of all malaria cases and effective case management and follow-up, engagement with private providers is essential, particularly in settings where the private sector is a major source of healthcare. However, research on the role and performance of the private sector in malaria diagnosis, case management and reporting in malaria elimination settings is limited. Moreover, the most effective strategies for private sector engagement in malaria elimination settings remain unclear. METHODS Twenty-five experts in malaria elimination, disease surveillance and private sector engagement were purposively sampled and interviewed. An extensive review of grey and peer-reviewed literature on private sector testing, treatment, and reporting for malaria was performed. Additional in-depth literature review was conducted for six case studies on eliminating and neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia and Southern Africa. RESULTS The private health sector can be categorized based on their commercial orientation or business model (for-profit versus nonprofit) and their regulation status within a country (formal vs informal). A number of potentially effective strategies exist for engaging the private sector. Conducting a baseline assessment of the private sector is critical to understanding its composition, size, geographical distribution and quality of services provided. Facilitating reporting, referral and training linkages between the public and private sectors and making malaria a notifiable disease are important strategies to improve private sector involvement in malaria surveillance. Financial incentives for uptake of rapid diagnostic tests and artemisinin-based combination therapy should be combined with training and community awareness campaigns for improving uptake. Private sector providers can also be organized and better engaged through social franchising, effective regulation, professional organizations and government outreach. CONCLUSION This review highlights the importance of engaging private sector stakeholders early and often in the development of malaria elimination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Bennett
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, UCSF Global Health Group, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Anton L. V. Avanceña
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, UCSF Global Health Group, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Jennifer Wegbreit
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, UCSF Global Health Group, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Chris Cotter
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, UCSF Global Health Group, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Kathryn Roberts
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, UCSF Global Health Group, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Roly Gosling
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, UCSF Global Health Group, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
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Kaula H, Buyungo P, Opigo J. Private sector role, readiness and performance for malaria case management in Uganda, 2015. Malar J 2017; 16:219. [PMID: 28545583 PMCID: PMC5445348 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-1824-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Several interventions have been put in place to promote access to quality malaria case management services in Uganda’s private sector, where most people seek treatment. This paper describes evidence using a mixed-method approach to examine the role, readiness and performance of private providers at a national level in Uganda. These data will be useful to inform strategies and policies for improving malaria case management in the private sector. Methods The ACTwatch national anti-malarial outlet survey was conducted concurrently with a fever case management study. The ACTwatch nationally representative anti-malarial outlet survey was conducted in Uganda between May 18th 2015 and July 2nd 2015. A representative sample of sub-counties was selected in 14 urban and 13 rural clusters with probability proportional to size and a census approach was used to identify outlets. Outlets eligible for the survey met at least one of three criteria: (1) one or more anti-malarials were in stock on the day of the survey; (2) one or more anti-malarials were in stock in the 3 months preceding the survey; and/or (3) malaria blood testing (microscopy or RDT) was available. The fever case management study included observations of provider-patient interactions and patient exit interviews. Data were collected between May 20th and August 3rd, 2015. The fever case management study was implemented in the private sector. Potential outlets were identified during the main outlet survey and included in this sub-sample if they had both artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) [artemether–lumefantrine (AL)], in stock on the day of survey as well as diagnostic testing available. Results A total of 9438 outlets were screened for eligibility in the ACTwatch outlet survey and 4328 outlets were found to be stocking anti-malarials and were interviewed. A total of 9330 patients were screened for the fever case management study and 1273 had a complete patient observation and exit interview. Results from the outlet survey illustrate that the majority of anti-malarials were distributed through the private sector (54.3%), with 31.4% of all anti-malarials distributed through drug stores and 14.4% through private for-profit health facilities. Availability of different anti-malarials and diagnostic testing in the private sector was: ACT (80.7%), quality-assured (QA) ACT (72.0%), sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (SP) (47.1%), quinine (73.2%) and any malaria blood testing (32.9%). Adult QAACT ($1.62) was three times more expensive than SP ($0.48). The results from the fever case management study found 44.4% of respondents received a malaria test, and among those who tested positive for malaria, 60.0% received an ACT, 48.5% received QAACT; 14.4% a non-artemisinin therapy; 14.9% artemether injection, and 42.5% received an antibiotic. Conclusion The private sector plays an important role in malaria case management in Uganda. While several private sector initiatives have improved availability of QAACT, there are gaps in malaria diagnosis and distribution of non-artemisinin monotherapies persists. Further private sector strategies, including those focusing on drug stores, are needed to increase coverage of parasitological testing and removal of non-artemisinin therapies from the marketplace. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-017-1824-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Henry Kaula
- Programme for Accessible Communication and Education (PACE) Uganda, Plot # 2, Ibis Vale, Kololo-off Prince Charles Drive, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Peter Buyungo
- Programme for Accessible Communication and Education (PACE) Uganda, Plot # 2, Ibis Vale, Kololo-off Prince Charles Drive, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jimmy Opigo
- National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
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Newton PN, Hanson K, Goodman C. Do anti-malarials in Africa meet quality standards? The market penetration of non quality-assured artemisinin combination therapy in eight African countries. Malar J 2017; 16:204. [PMID: 28539125 PMCID: PMC5444102 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-1818-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quality of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is important for ensuring malaria parasite clearance and protecting the efficacy of artemisinin-based therapies. The extent to which non quality-assured ACT (non-QAACT), or those not granted global regulatory approval, are available and used to treat malaria in endemic countries is poorly documented. This paper uses national and sub-national medicine outlet surveys conducted in eight study countries (Benin, Kinshasa and Kantanga [Democratic Republic of the Congo, DRC], Kenya, Madagascar, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia) between 2009 and 2015 to describe the non-QAACT market and to document trends in availability and distribution of non-QAACT in the public and private sector. RESULTS In 2014/15, non-QAACT were most commonly available in Kinshasa (83%), followed by Katanga (53%), Nigeria (48%), Kenya (42%), and Uganda (33%). Non-QAACT accounted for 20% of the market share in the private sector in Kenya, followed by Benin and Uganda (19%), Nigeria (12%) and Zambia (8%); this figure was 27% in Katanga and 40% in Kinshasa. Public sector non-QAACT availability and distribution was much lower, with the exception of Zambia (availability, 85%; market share, 32%). Diverse generics and formulations were available, but non-QAACT were most commonly artemether-lumefantrine (AL) or dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA PPQ), in tablet formulation, imported, and distributed in urban areas at either pharmacies or drug stores. The number of unique manufacturers supplying non-QAACT to each country ranged from 9 in Uganda to 92 in Nigeria. CONCLUSIONS Addressing the availability and distribution of non-QAACT will require effective private sector engagement and evidence-based strategies to address provider and consumer demand for these products. Given the variation in non-QAACT markets observed across the eight study countries, active efforts to limit registration, importation and distribution of non-QAACT must be tailored to the country context, and will involve addressing complex and challenging aspects of medicine registration, private sector pharmaceutical regulation, local manufacturing and drug importation. These efforts may be critical not only to patient health and safety, but also to effective malaria control and protection of artemisinin drug efficacy in the face of spreading resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul N. Newton
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WCH 9SH UK
| | - Kara Hanson
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WCH 9SH UK
| | - Catherine Goodman
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WCH 9SH UK
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Hanson K, Goodman C. Testing times: trends in availability, price, and market share of malaria diagnostics in the public and private healthcare sector across eight sub-Saharan African countries from 2009 to 2015. Malar J 2017; 16:205. [PMID: 28526075 PMCID: PMC5438573 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-1829-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The World Health Organization guidelines have recommended that all cases of suspected malaria should receive a confirmatory test with microscopy or a malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT), however evidence from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) illustrates that only one-third of children under five with a recent fever received a test. The aim of this study was to evaluate availability, price and market share of microscopy and RDT from 2009/11 to 2014/15 in 8 SSA countries, to better understand barriers to improving access to malaria confirmatory testing in the public and private health sectors. Results Repeated national cross-sectional quantitative surveys were conducted among a sample of outlets stocking anti-malarial medicines and/or diagnostics. In total, 169,655 outlets were screened. Availability of malaria blood testing among all screened public health facilities increased significantly between the first survey wave in 2009/11 and the most recent in 2014/15 in Benin (36.2, 85.4%, p < 0.001), Kenya (53.8, 93.0%, p < 0.001), mainland Tanzania (46.9, 89.9%, p < 0.001), Nigeria (28.5, 86.2%, p < 0.001), Katanga, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) (76.0, 88.2%, p < 0.05), and Uganda (38.9, 95.6%, p < 0.001). These findings were attributed to an increase in availability of RDTs. Diagnostic availability remained high in Kinshasa (the DRC) (87.6, 97.6%) and Zambia (87.9, 91.6%). Testing availability in public health facilities significantly decreased in Madagascar (88.1, 73.1%, p < 0.01). In the most recent survey round, the majority of malaria testing was performed in the public sector in Zambia (90.9%), Benin (90.3%), Madagascar (84.5%), Katanga (74.3%), mainland Tanzania (73.5%), Uganda (71.8%), Nigeria (68.4%), Kenya (53.2%) and Kinshasa (51.9%). In the anti-malarial stocking private sector, significant increases in availability of diagnostic tests among private for-profit facilities were observed between the first and final survey rounds in Kinshasa (82.1, 94.0%, p < 0.05), Nigeria (37.0, 66.0%, p < 0.05), Kenya (52.8, 74.3%, p < 0.001), mainland Tanzania (66.8, 93.5%, p < 0.01), Uganda (47.1, 70.1%, p < 0.001), and Madagascar (14.5, 45.0%, p < 0.01). Blood testing availability remained low over time among anti-malarial stocking private health facilities in Benin (33.1, 20.7%), and high over time in Zambia (94.4, 87.5%), with evidence of falls in availability in Katanga (72.7, 55.6%, p < 0.05). Availability among anti-malarial stocking pharmacies and drug stores—which are the most common source of anti-malarial medicines—was rare in all settings, and highest in Uganda in 2015 (21.5%). Median private sector price of RDT for a child was equal to the price of pre-packaged quality-assured artemisinin-based combination therapy (QAACT) treatment for a two-year old child in some countries, and 1.5–2.5 times higher in others. Median private sector QAACT price for an adult varied from having parity with an RDT for an adult to being up to 2 times more expensive. The exception was in both Kinshasa and Katanga, where the median price of QAACT was less expensive than RDTs. Conclusions Significant strides have been made in the availability of testing, mainly through the widespread distribution of RDT, and especially in public health facilities. Significant barriers to universal coverage of diagnostic testing can be attributed to very low availability in the private sector, particularly among pharmacies and drug stores, which are responsible for most anti-malarial distribution. Where tests are available, price may serve as a barrier to uptake, particularly for young children. Several initiatives that have introduced RDT into the private sector can be modified and expanded as a means to close this gap in malaria testing availability and promote universal diagnosis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-017-1829-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kara Hanson
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Catherine Goodman
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
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Boyce MR, O'Meara WP. Use of malaria RDTs in various health contexts across sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2017; 17:470. [PMID: 28521798 PMCID: PMC5437623 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-017-4398-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization recommends parasitological confirmation of malaria prior to treatment. Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) represent one diagnostic method that is used in a variety of contexts to overcome limitations of other diagnostic techniques. Malaria RDTs increase the availability and feasibility of accurate diagnosis and may result in improved quality of care. Though RDTs are used in a variety of contexts, no studies have compared how well or effectively RDTs are used across these contexts. This review assesses the diagnostic use of RDTs in four different contexts: health facilities, the community, drug shops and schools. METHODS A comprehensive search of the Pubmed database was conducted to evaluate RDT execution, test accuracy, or adherence to test results in sub-Saharan Africa. Original RDT and Plasmodium falciparum focused studies conducted in formal health care facilities, drug shops, schools, or by CHWs between the year 2000 and December 2016 were included. Studies were excluded if they were conducted exclusively in a research laboratory setting, where staff from the study team conducted RDTs, or in settings outside of sub-Saharan Africa. RESULTS The literature search identified 757 reports. A total of 52 studies were included in the analysis. Overall, RDTs were performed safely and effectively by community health workers provided they receive proper training. Analogous information was largely absent for formal health care workers. Tests were generally accurate across contexts, except for in drug shops where lower specificities were observed. Adherence to RDT results was higher among drug shop vendors and community health workers, while adherence was more variable among formal health care workers, most notably with negative test results. CONCLUSIONS Malaria RDTs are generally used well, though compliance with test results is variable - especially in the formal health care sector. If low adherence rates are extrapolated, thousands of patients may be incorrectly diagnosed and receive inappropriate treatment resulting in a low quality of care and unnecessary drug use. Multidisciplinary research should continue to explore determinants of good RDT use, and seek to better understand how to support and sustain the correct use of this diagnostic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wendy P O'Meara
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, USA.,School of Public Health, Moi University College of Health Sciences, Eldoret, Kenya
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Phok S, Phanalasy S, Thein ST, Likhitsup A. Private sector opportunities and threats to achieving malaria elimination in the Greater Mekong Subregion: results from malaria outlet surveys in Cambodia, the Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Thailand. Malar J 2017; 16:180. [PMID: 28464945 PMCID: PMC5414126 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-1800-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this paper is to review multi-country evidence of private sector adherence to national regulations, guidelines, and quality-assurance standards for malaria case management and to document current coverage of private sector engagement and support through ACTwatch outlet surveys implemented in 2015 and 2016. Results Over 76,168 outlets were screened, and approximately 6500 interviews were conducted (Cambodia, N = 1303; the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR), N = 724; Myanmar, N = 4395; and Thailand, N = 74). There was diversity in the types of private sector outlets providing malaria treatment across countries, and the extent to which they were authorized to test and treat for malaria differed. Among outlets stocking at least one anti-malarial, public sector availability of the first-line treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum or Plasmodium vivax malaria was >75%. In the anti-malarial stocking private sector, first-line treatment availability was variable (Cambodia, 70.9%; the Lao PDR, 40.8%; Myanmar P. falciparum = 42.7%, P. vivax = 19.6%; Thailand P. falciparum = 19.6%, P. vivax = 73.3%), as was availability of second-line treatment (the Lao PDR, 74.9%; Thailand, 39.1%; Myanmar, 19.8%; and Cambodia, 0.7%). Treatment not in the National Treatment Guidelines (NTGs) was most common in Myanmar (35.8%) and Cambodia (34.0%), and was typically stocked by the informal sector. The majority of anti-malarials distributed in Cambodia and Myanmar were first-line P. falciparum or P. vivax treatments (90.3% and 77.1%, respectively), however, 8.8% of the market share in Cambodia was treatment not in the NTGs (namely chloroquine) and 17.6% in Myanmar (namely oral artemisinin monotherapy). In the Lao PDR, approximately 9 in 10 anti-malarials distributed in the private sector were second-line treatments—typically locally manufactured chloroquine. In Cambodia, 90% of anti-malarials were distributed through outlets that had confirmatory testing available. Over half of all anti-malarial distribution was by outlets that did not have confirmatory testing available in the Lao PDR (54%) and Myanmar (59%). Availability of quality-assured rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) amongst the RDT-stocking public sector ranged from 99.3% in the Lao PDR to 80.1% in Cambodia. In Cambodia, the Lao PDR, and Myanmar, less than 50% of the private sector reportedly received engagement (access to subsidized commodities, supervision, training or caseload reporting), which was most common among private health facilities and pharmacies. Conclusions Findings from this multi-country study suggest that Cambodia, the Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Thailand are generally in alignment with national regulations, treatment guidelines, and quality-assurance standards. However, important gaps persist in the private sector which pose a threat to national malaria control and elimination goals. Several options are discussed to help align the private sector anti-malarial market with national elimination strategies. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-017-1800-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sochea Phok
- Population Services Khmer, 29 334 St, Boeung Keng Kang, P. O. Box 258, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Saysana Phanalasy
- Population Services International Lao PDR, T4 Road Unit 16, Donkai Village, P. O. Box 8723, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Si Thu Thein
- Population Services International Myanmar, 16 West Shwe Gone Dine 4th St, Bahan Township, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Asawin Likhitsup
- , 108/210 Siphraya River View Condo, Yotha Rd, Sampanthawong, Bangkok, 10100, Thailand
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Zinsou C, Cherifath AB. The malaria testing and treatment landscape in Benin. Malar J 2017; 16:174. [PMID: 28446236 PMCID: PMC5405537 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-1808-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Since 2004, artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) has been the first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria in Benin. In 2016, a medicine outlet survey was implemented to investigate the availability, price, and market share of anti-malarial treatment and malaria diagnostics. Results provide a timely and important benchmark to measure future interventions aimed at increasing access to quality malaria case management services. Methods Between July 5th to August 6th 2016, a cross sectional, nationally-representative malaria outlet survey was conducted in Benin. A census of all public and private outlets with potential to distribute malaria testing and/or treatment was implemented among 30 clusters (arrondissements). Outlets were eligible for inclusion in the study if they met at least one of three study criteria: (1) one or more anti-malarials reportedly in stock on the day of the survey; (2) one or more anti-malarials reportedly in stock within the 3 months preceding the survey; and/or (3) provided malaria blood testing. An audit was completed for all anti-malarials, malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and microscopy. Results 7260 outlets with the potential to sell or distribute anti-malarials were included in the census and 2966 were eligible and interviewed. A total of 17,669 anti-malarial and 494 RDT products were audited. Quality-assured ACT was available in 95.0% of all screened public health facilities and 59.4% of community health workers (CHW), and availability of malaria blood testing was 94.7 and 68.4% respectively. Sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (SP) was available in 73.9% of public health facilities and not found among CHWs. Among private-sector outlets stocking at least one anti-malarial, non-artemisinin therapies were most commonly available (94.0% of outlets) as compared to quality-assured ACT (36.1%). 31.3% of the ACTs were marked with a “green leaf” logo, suggesting leakage of a co-paid ACT into Benin’s unsubsidized ACT market from another country. 78.5% of the anti-malarials distributed were through the private sector, typically through general retailers (47.6% of all anti-malarial distribution). ACT comprised 44% of the private anti-malarial market share. Private-sector price of quality-assured ACT ($1.35) was three times more expensive than SP ($0.42) or chloroquine ($0.41). Non-artemisinin therapies were cited as the most effective treatment for uncomplicated malaria among general retailers and itinerant drug vendors. Conclusions The ACTwatch data has shown the importance of the private sector in terms of access to malaria treatment for the majority of the population in Benin. These findings highlight the need for increased engagement with the private sector to improve malaria case management and an immediate need for a national ACT subsidy. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-017-1808-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cyprien Zinsou
- Association Beninoise pour le Marketing Social, Lot 919 Immeuble Montcho, Sikecodji, Cotonou, Republic of Benin.
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Tougher S, Hanson K, Goodman C. What happened to anti-malarial markets after the Affordable Medicines Facility-malaria pilot? Trends in ACT availability, price and market share from five African countries under continuation of the private sector co-payment mechanism. Malar J 2017; 16:173. [PMID: 28441956 PMCID: PMC5405529 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-1814-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The private sector supplies anti-malarial treatment for large proportions of patients in sub-Saharan Africa. Following the large-scale piloting of the Affordable Medicines Facility-malaria (AMFm) from 2010 to 2011, a private sector co-payment mechanism (CPM) provided continuation of private sector subsidies for quality-assured artemisinin combination therapies (QAACT). This article analyses for the first time the extent to which improvements in private sector QAACT supply and distribution observed during the AMFm were maintained or intensified during continuation of the CPM through 2015 in Kenya, Madagascar, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda using repeat cross-sectional outlet survey data. Results QAACT market share in all five countries increased during the AMFm period (p < 0.001). According to the data from the last ACTwatch survey round, in all study countries except Madagascar, AMFm levels of private sector QAACT availability were maintained or improved. In 2014/15, private sector QAACT availability was greater than 70% in Nigeria (84.3%), Kenya (70.5%), Tanzania (83.0%) and Uganda (77.1%), but only 11.2% in Madagascar. QAACT market share was maintained or improved post-AMFm in Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda, but statistically significant declines were observed in Kenya and Madagascar. In 2014/5, QAACT market share was highest in Kenya and Uganda (48.2 and 47.5%, respectively) followed by Tanzania (39.2%), Nigeria (35.0%), and Madagascar (7.0%). Four of the five countries experienced significant decreases in median QAACT price during the AMFm period. Private sector QAACT prices were maintained or further reduced in Tanzania, Nigeria and Uganda, but prices increased significantly in Kenya and Madagascar. SP prices were consistently lower than those of QAACT in the AMFm period, with the exception of Kenya and Tanzania in 2011, where they were equal. In 2014/5 QAACT remained two to three times more expensive than the most popular non-artemisinin therapy in all countries except Tanzania. Conclusions Results suggest that a private sector co-payment mechanism for QAACT implemented at national scale for 5 years was associated with positive and sustained improvements in QAACT availability, price and market share in Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda, with more mixed results in Kenya, and few improvements in Madagascar. The subsidy mechanism as implemented over time across countries was not sufficient on its own to achieve optimal QAACT uptake. Supporting interventions to address continued availability and distribution of non-artemisinin therapies, and to create demand for QAACT among providers and consumers need to be effectively implemented to realize the full potential of this subsidy mechanism. Furthermore, there is need for comprehensive market assessments to identify contemporary market barriers to high coverage with both confirmatory testing and appropriate treatment. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-017-1814-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Tougher
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WCH 9SH, UK
| | - Kara Hanson
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WCH 9SH, UK
| | - Catherine Goodman
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WCH 9SH, UK
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Phanalasy S. The malaria testing and treatment landscape in the southern Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR). Malar J 2017; 16:169. [PMID: 28438155 PMCID: PMC5404290 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-1769-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the context of national and regional goals to eliminate malaria by 2030, the Center for Malaria Parasitology and Entomology in the Lao PDR is implementing strategies to ensure all malaria cases are detected and appropriately treated with first-line artemisinin combination therapy, artemether–lumefantrine (AL). Timely and relevant evidence to inform policies and strategies is needed to ensure the most effective and efficient use of resources, and to accelerate progress towards elimination goals. A 2015 outlet survey conducted in five provinces of the southern Lao PDR was the first of its kind to study the total market for malaria treatments and diagnostics. The sub-national outlet survey was designed to describe the market and to assess public and private sector readiness and performance for malaria case management. Additionally, key indicators were estimated among private outlets within districts with and without a Public Private Mix (PPM) programme. Results Over half of anti-malarial stockists were public sector (65.1%). In the private sector, pharmacies most commonly stocked anti-malarials, although anti-malarials were also found in private health facilities, drug stores, general retailers, and itinerant drug vendors. Nearly all anti-malarial stocking public health facilities had AL (99.5%) and 90.8% had confirmatory testing. Fewer than half of anti-malarial stocking private outlets stocked AL (40.8%) and malaria testing (43.5%). Chloroquine has not been a first-line treatment for Plasmodium falciparum malaria since 2005 and Plasmodium vivax since 2011 yet private sector availability was 77.6% and chloroquine accounted for 62.2% of the total anti-malarial market share. AL and confirmatory testing availability were higher in private outlets in PPM (68.1, 72.6%) versus non-PPM districts (2.5, 12.1%). Chloroquine was available in 63.6% of PPM and 96.7% of non-PPM-district outlets, and was the most commonly distributed anti-malarial among private outlets in both PPM (61.7%) and non-PPM districts (99.1%). Conclusions Public sector outlets in the southern Lao PDR are typically equipped to test and appropriately treat malaria. There is need to address widespread private sector availability and distribution of chloroquine. The PPM programme has improved private provider readiness to manage malaria according to national guidelines. However, supporting interventions to address provider and consumer behaviours are needed to further drive uptake. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-017-1769-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Saysana Phanalasy
- Population Services International, PSI Lao PDR, T4 Road, Unit 61, Donkoi Village, Sisattanak District, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic.
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Thein ST, Khin HSS, Thi A. Anti-malarial landscape in Myanmar: results from a nationally representative survey among community health workers and the private sector outlets in 2015/2016. Malar J 2017; 16:129. [PMID: 28438197 PMCID: PMC5404301 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-1761-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In 2015/2016, an ACTwatch outlet survey was implemented to assess the anti-malarial and malaria testing landscape in Myanmar across four domains (Eastern, Central, Coastal, Western regions). Indicators provide an important benchmark to guide Myanmar’s new National Strategic Plan to eliminate malaria by 2030. Methods This was a cross-sectional survey, which employed stratified cluster-random sampling across four regions in Myanmar. A census of community health workers (CHWs) and private outlets with potential to distribute malaria testing and/or treatment was conducted. An audit was completed for all anti-malarials, malaria rapid diagnostic tests. Results A total of 28,664 outlets were approached and 4416 met the screening criteria. The anti-malarial market composition comprised CHWs (41.5%), general retailers (27.9%), itinerant drug vendors (11.8%), pharmacies (10.9%), and private for-profit facilities (7.9%). Availability of different anti-malarials and diagnostic testing among anti-malarial-stocking CHWs was as follows: artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) (81.3%), chloroquine (67.0%), confirmatory malaria test (77.7%). Less than half of the anti-malarial-stocking private sector had first-line treatment in stock: ACT (41.7%) chloroquine (41.8%), and malaria diagnostic testing was rare (15.4%). Oral artemisinin monotherapy (AMT) was available in 27.7% of private sector outlets (Western, 54.1%; Central, 31.4%; Eastern; 25.0%, Coastal; 15.4%). The private-sector anti-malarial market share comprised ACT (44.0%), chloroquine (26.6%), and oral AMT (19.6%). Among CHW the market share was ACT (71.6%), chloroquine (22.3%); oral AMT (3.8%). More than half of CHWs could correctly state the national first-line treatment for uncomplicated falciparum and vivax malaria (59.2 and 56.9%, respectively) compared to the private sector (15.8 and 13.2%, respectively). Indicators on support and engagement were as follows for CHWs: reportedly received training on malaria diagnosis (60.7%) or national malaria treatment guidelines (59.6%), received a supervisory or regulatory visit within 12 months (39.1%), kept records on number of patients tested or treated for malaria (77.3%). These indicators were less than 20% across the private sector. Conclusion CHWs have a strong foundation for achieving malaria goals and their scale-up is merited, however gaps in malaria commodities and supplies must be addressed. Intensified private sector strategies are urgently needed and must be scaled up to improve access and coverage of first-line treatments and malaria diagnosis, and remove oral AMT from the market place. Future policies and interventions on malaria control and elimination in Myanmar should take these findings into consideration across all phases of implementation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-017-1761-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Si Thu Thein
- Population Services International Myanmar, No. 16, West Shwe Gone Dine 4th Street, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Hnin Su Su Khin
- Population Services International Myanmar, No. 16, West Shwe Gone Dine 4th Street, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Aung Thi
- National Malaria Control Programme, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Naypyidaw, Myanmar
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Phok S, Lek D. Evidence on anti-malarial and diagnostic markets in Cambodia to guide malaria elimination strategies and policies. Malar J 2017; 16:171. [PMID: 28438204 PMCID: PMC5404333 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-1807-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Understanding Cambodia’s anti-malarial and diagnostic landscape in 2015 is critical for informing and monitoring strategies and policies as Cambodia moves forward with national efforts to eliminate malaria. The aim of this paper is to present timely and key findings on the public and private sector anti-malarial and diagnostic landscape in Cambodia. This evidence can serve as a baseline benchmark for guiding implementation of national strategies as well as other regional initiatives to address malaria elimination activities. Methods From August 17th to October 1st, 2015, a cross sectional, nationally-representative malaria outlet survey was conducted in Cambodia. A census of all public and private outlets with potential to distribute malaria testing and/or treatment was conducted among 180 communes. An audit was completed for all anti-malarials, malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and microscopy. Results A total of 26,664 outlets were screened, and 1303 outlets were eligible and interviewed. Among all screened outlets in the public sector, 75.9% of public health facilities and 67.7% of community health workers stocked both malaria diagnostic testing and a first-line artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). Among anti-malarial-stocking private sector outlets, 64.7% had malaria blood testing available, and 70.9% were stocking a first-line ACT. Market share data illustrate that most of the anti-malarials were sold or distributed through the private sector (58.4%), including itinerant drug vendors (23.4%). First-line ACT accounted for the majority of the market share across the public and private sectors (90.3%). Among private sector outlets stocking any anti-malarial, the proportion of outlets with a first-line ACT or RDT was higher among outlets that had reportedly received one or more forms of ‘support’ (e.g. reportedly received training in the previous year on malaria diagnosis [RDT and/or microscopy] and/or the national treatment guidelines for malaria) compared to outlets that did not report receiving any support (ACT: 82.1 and 60.6%, respectively; RDT: 78.2 and 64.0%, respectively). Conclusion The results point to high availability and distribution of first-line ACT and widespread availability of malaria diagnosis, especially in the public sector. This suggests that there is a strong foundation for achieving elimination goals in Cambodia. However, key gaps in terms of availability of malaria commodities for case management must be addressed, particularly in the private sector where most people seek treatment. Continued engagement with the private sector will be important to ensure accelerated progress towards malaria elimination. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-017-1807-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sochea Phok
- PSI Cambodia (PSK), No. 29, Street 334, Boeung Keng Kang I, Chamcar Mon, Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia.
| | - Dysoley Lek
- The National Centre for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control, 477 Betong Street (Corner St. 92), Village Trapangsvay, Sanakat Phnom Penh Thmey, Khan Sen Sok, Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia.,School of Public Health, National Institute of Public Health, Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia
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Thein ST, Khin HSS, Thi A. Insights into the availability and distribution of oral artemisinin monotherapy in Myanmar: evidence from a nationally representative outlet survey. Malar J 2017; 16:170. [PMID: 28438145 PMCID: PMC5404336 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-1793-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The containment of artemisinin resistance in Myanmar, historically an important probable origin and route of anti-malarial resistance to the India sub-continent and beyond, is crucial to global malaria control and elimination. This paper describes what is currently known about the sale and distribution of oral artemisinin monotherapy (AMT) across Myanmar, where this medicine is commonly found. Methods A nationally representative 2015 outlet survey was conducted in the private sector, and among community health workers across four geographical domains. A national sample of outlets was screened for availability of malaria testing and treatment, and an audit was completed for all anti-malarials. Results A total of 3859 outlets across Myanmar had an anti-malarial in stock on the day of survey. Of the 3859 anti-malarial stocking outlets, 988 outlets stocked oral AMT. Availability of oral AMT was highest among outlets in the Western border (36.8%) versus other domains (Eastern, 15.0%; Central, 19.3% Coastal, 10.7%). Over 90% of the oral AMT service delivery points were private sector outlets: general retailers (49.4%), pharmacies (23.5%), and itinerant drug vendors (14.2%). Eleven unique oral AMT products were audited. The most common product audited was Artesunate®, manufactured by Mediplantex in Vietnam, which accounted for 79.9% of the oral AMT market share. Other oral AMT products were manufactured in China and in Myanmar. Over 60% of oral AMT products had a shelf life at purchase of greater than 2 years and only 14.7% were expired. The median number of oral AMT tablets typically dispensed to treat malaria was two tablets, approximately one tenth of a full adult course. The median price of a 50 mg tablet was $0.16. Conclusions Given the high availability and distribution of oral AMT, it is possible that Myanmar has become the last remaining viable market for any oral AMT in the region for manufacturers. National and international organizations need to act quickly and effectively to stop the production and distribution to both improve malaria control within Myanmar and reduce risk of artemisinin resistance spreading to India and Africa. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-017-1793-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Si Thu Thein
- Population Services International Myanmar, No. 16, West Shwe Gone Dine 4th Street, Yangon, Myanmar.
| | - Hnin Su Su Khin
- Population Services International Myanmar, No. 16, West Shwe Gone Dine 4th Street, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Aung Thi
- National Malaria Control Programme, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health and Sports, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
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Michael D, Mkunde SP. The malaria testing and treatment landscape in mainland Tanzania, 2016. Malar J 2017; 16:202. [PMID: 28521811 PMCID: PMC5437635 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-1819-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Understanding the key characteristics of malaria testing and treatment is essential to the control of a disease that continues to pose a major risk of morbidity and mortality in mainland Tanzania, with evidence of a resurgence of the disease in recent years. The introduction of artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) as the first-line treatment for malaria, alongside policies to promote rational case management following testing, highlights the need for evidence of anti-malarial and testing markets in the country. The results of the most recent mainland Tanzania ACTwatch outlet survey are presented here, including data on the availability, market share and price of anti-malarials and malaria diagnosis in 2016. Methods A nationally-representative malaria outlet survey was conducted between 18th May and 2nd July, 2016. A census of public and private outlets with potential to distribute malaria testing and/or treatment was conducted among a representative sample of administrative units. An audit was completed for all anti-malarials, malaria rapid (RDT) diagnostic tests and microscopy. Results A total of 5867 outlets were included in the nationally representative survey, across both public and private sectors. In the public sector, availability of malaria testing was 92.3% and quality-assured (QA) ACT was 89.1% among all screened outlets. Sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (SP) was stocked by 51.8% of the public sector and injectable artesunate was found in 71.4% of all screened public health facilities. Among anti-malarial private-sector stockists, availability of testing was 15.7, and 65.1% had QA ACT available. The public sector accounted for 83.4% of the total market share for malaria diagnostics. The private sector accounted for 63.9% of the total anti-malarial market, and anti-malarials were most commonly distributed through accredited drug dispensing outlets (ADDOs) (39.0%), duka la dawa baridi (DLDBs) (13.3%) and pharmacies (6.7%). QA ACT comprised 33.1% of the national market share (12.2% public sector and 20.9% private sector). SP accounted for 53.3% of the total market for anti-malarials across both private and public sectors (31.3 and 22.0% of the total market, respectively). The median price per adult equivalent treatment dose (AETD) of QA ACT in the private sector was $1.40, almost 1.5 times more expensive than the median price per AETD of SP ($1.05). In the private sector, 79.3% of providers perceived ACT to be the most effective treatment for uncomplicated malaria for adults and 88.4% perceived this for children. Conclusions While public sector preparedness for appropriate malaria testing and case management is showing encouraging signs, QA ACT availability and market share in the private sector continues to be sub-optimal for most outlet types. Furthermore, it is concerning that SP continues to predominate in the anti-malarial market. The reasons for this remain unclear, but are likely to be in part related to price, availability and provider knowledge or preferences. Continued efforts to implement government policy around malaria diagnosis and case management should be encouraged. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-017-1819-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Michael
- PSI/Tanzania, Plot # 1347/48 Masaki, Msasani Peninsula, Haile Selassie Road, PO Box 33500, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
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