Marketing Anti Malaria Drugs by CTC-MS in Kwara State Nigeria
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Date
2015
Authors
Saka, M. J
Akande, T.M
Saka, A.O
Musa, O.I
Abdulrahim, A
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Ilorin Journal of Marketing.
Abstract
Abstract
igeria recently changed her antimalarial treatment policy from monotheraphy single
Nbased to artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). Close to Community Medicine Sellers (CTC-MS) were defined to include all commercial retailers
supplying malaria drugs. The study examines implementation of National malaria drug policy
by Close to Community Medicine Sellers (CTC-MS) in Kwara state Nigeria. It was a
descriptive cross sectional study, multi stage sampling techniques was adopted and
interviewer administered questionnaires was used to collect data. EPI-INFO software
statistical package was used to analysis. Despite high level of awareness (53.9%) of new
treatment guidelines for malaria, ninety (43.0%) of the CTC- MS correctly differentiate
between artesunate monotherapy and artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT).Only 96
(46.6%) respondents sold artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) in the new policy for
the treatment of malaria. Majority CTC-MS sold Chloroquine (84.0%) and Qunine (64.1%)
respectively, (75.2%) of the respondents agreed to sell any form of monotherapy for the
treatment of malaria. Due to non-availability (47.1%), competition from other providers
(35.3%) and high cost (17.6%). Age, educational level, years of practice and type of training
significantly affected response to the implementation of new malaria guideline. Mono therapy
still considered to be adequate for treatment of malaria, there is increased marketing of antimalaria
monotheraphy drugs and advised to consumers to purchase Artesunate
monotheraphy for the treatment of malaria. Non-availability and high cost of ACT drugs are
some of the factors responsible for the sales of monototheraphy anti malaria drugs. It is
recommended that special interventions such as trainings, continuous professional medical
education on new anti–malaria drugs and government to withdraw non-ACT antimalarials
from the market. In addition age limit, years of practices and source of trainings should be
considered by the formal or informal association of CTC-MS prior to approval to join the
market for sales of anti-malaria drugs therapy.
Description
Keywords
Malaria, Drugs
Citation
2(2); 35-48