Achieving the 6th MDG: An Evaluation Drug Treatment of Malaria in Selected PHC in Osun State
O. L. Abodunrin *
Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Lautech, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
A. O. Sabageh
Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Lautech, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
A. O. Adeoye
Department of Community Medicine, Lautech Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
A. A. Adeomi
Department of Community Medicine, Lautech Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
J. O. Bamidele
Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Ekiti state University, Ekiti, Nigeria.
F. F. Osundina
Department of Community Medicine, Lautech Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: The burden of malaria in Nigeria and Africa is well documented. The current Nigeria anti-malaria drug policy has recommended artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) as the first-line drug treatment for uncomplicated malaria since 2005. It is now 8 years since the adoption of ACT and two years to the set time for the achievement of the MDGs.
Objective: To assess the adherence of the PHC to the new policy on drug treatment for uncomplicated malaria.
Methods: Using a pro-forma, relevant information about drug prescription of malaria cases between January 2008 and December 2009 was extracted from patients’ folders in the 3 comprehensive health centres being used by LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo. Additional data were also collected through the use of in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed with Epi-Info software 3.4.2.
Results: A total of 8881 episodes of malaria were analyzed of which male children (0-5years) constituted the highest number. The commonest prescribed anti-malaria was oral Chloroquine (21.6%) for the 3 CHC combined. However, for each CHC, CQ was the commonest drug prescribed for Ilie and Atelewo CHC (41.6% and 25.5% respectively), while for Akogun CHC alone, it was Artesunate + SP. Akogun CHC was found to have the highest prescribed pre-packaged ACT.
Factors responsible for inappropriate prescription were non-availability and perceived patients' non-affordability and unwillingness to buy drugs.
Conclusion: Prescription of CQ and SP as mono-therapy continues to prevail in the CHC. There is urgent need for ensuring compliance to the current and acceptable treatment for malaria. Other means of sustaining availability of anti-malaria drugs should be considered.
Keywords: Evaluation, prescription anti-malaria, MDG, PHC, drug treatment, ACT