Achieving the 6th MDG: An Evaluation Drug Treatment of Malaria in Selected PHC in Osun State

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.