Management of childhood malaria using artemisinin monotherapy by private retail pharmacies in Dar-es-Salaam.

Abstract

A cross section survey was undertaken during June -July to assess how drug sellers manage both prescription and non-prescription clients for Artemisinin Monotherapy for management of childhood malaria from private retail pharmacies in Dar es Salaam. The study involved a total of 200 drug dispensers as respondents interviewed of whom 66.5% were females and the rest were males. Also, a total of 60 encounters as Simulated Clients were performed from which 61.7% of drug dispensers were females the rest being males. Results indicated that 75.0 % of the drug sellers mentioned vomiting and diarrhea as the common symptoms of malaria in children while only 41.0% mentioning fever, 62.5% headache and 45.5% loss of appetite. Over 90.0% of all drug dispensers mentioned ITNs as the key measure in prevention of malaria. Of the interviewed drug dispensers, 75.q% were aware of the current malaria treatment guideline from which 61.3% and 42.0% gave a correct first and second line drug respectively while only 28.0% of all drug dispensers were able to come out with the correct dose of artesunate tablet for the child. In simulated customer interview, 73.3% of all encounters did not ask for prescription before dispensing the drug. More than 75.0% of all drug dispensers gave correct instruction on dispensing the drug. The findings show that dispensers do not conform to the required regulations in the management of childhood malaria according to national malaria treatment guideline. There is a need for education provision to dispensers to add knowledge and improve practice.