Abstract

Malaria drug shortages in Kenya: a major failure to provide access to effective treatment

Kangwana, B. B. Njogu, J. Wasunna, B. Kedenge, S. V. Memusi, D. N. Goodman, C. A. Zurovac, D. Snow, R. W.
Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2009; 80737-8

Permanent descriptor

https://doi.org/80/5/737 [pii]

A key bench mark of successful therapeutic policy implementation, and thus effectiveness, is that the recommended drugs are available at the point of care. Two years after artemether-lumefathrine (AL) was introduced for the management of uncomplicated malaria in Kenya, we carried out a cross-sectional survey to investigate AL availability in government facilities in seven malaria-endemic districts. One of four of the surveyed facilities had none of the four AL weight-specific treatment packs in stock; three of four facilities were out of stock of at least one weight-specific AL pack, leading health workers to prescribe a range of inappropriate alternatives. The shortage was in large part caused by a delayed procurement process. National ministries of health and the international community must address the current shortcomings facing antimalarial drug supply to the public sector.