Access to effective treatment still low â€" report
Nov 23, 2008
MALARIA is curable and preventable, but it remains the leading killer disease in Africa. About 70,000-110,000 child deaths from malaria are recorded annually, according to statistics at the health ministry.
By Arthur Baguma
MALARIA is curable and preventable, but it remains the leading killer disease in Africa. About 70,000-110,000 child deaths from malaria are recorded annually, according to statistics at the health ministry.
It is estimated that 40% of health facility expenditures in Africa are spent on malaria treatment. A new report which was released on November 6 shows that access to anti-malarials is still a dream for many Ugandans in rural areas.
A new report launched by Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) warns of an urgent need to improve access to anti-malarials.
The report titled: Understanding the Anti-malarials Market: Uganda 2007 is based on data gathered by the Ministry of Health and MMV for the development and delivery of low cost effective malaria treatment.
“About 350 Ugandan children die every day due to malaria. This report shows how we can make life-saving ACTs available to this vulnerable population,†said the health minister Dr. Stephen Mallinga.
The study found that although the Government and World Health Organisation (WHO) recommend new effective antimalarial medicines called ‘artemisinin combination therapies’ (ACTs), these are not widely available in the rural areas.
The report says that ACTs can cost up to 60 times more than the ineffective medicines like chloroquine.
The study was carried out in nine districts.
“This study provides powerful evidence to policy-makers and donors to build a case for greater accessibility of effective antimalarials via all channels, public or private,†said Chris Hentschel, the chief executive officer of MMV.
The report showed that 71% of outlets providing antimalarial medicines are private facilities and that, due to their high price, ACTs are not widely available.
ACTs are free in the public sector, but are often not available due to stock outs.
According to the report governments and donors will not win the fight against malaria and poverty unless they continue to strengthen the public health sector.
However, the study recommends that ACTs must also be made available in the private sector at a cheaper price. The study presents evidence on the urgent need for action to ensure ACTs reach more people.
Building on the evidence, MMV and the health ministry are conducting pilot studies to assess the impact of making subsidized ACTs available via the private sector.
The report is being launched at a critical time – when the Global Fund Board will decide when and how to implement a new subsidy initiative - the “Affordable Medicines Facility for malaria†- to make effective malaria medicines affordable and available through all appropriate channels.
Highlights of the Report
• ACTs comprised only 10% of 174 anti-malarials on the market.
• An average family’s yearly ACT needs can cost up to 62 days of the household’s basic food needs and 91 days of average household income.
• Only 50% of patients buy a full course of medicines, increasing the risk of resistance.
Tips on prevention of malaria
Plastic containers can trap stagnant water that will breed mosquitoes. They should be checked weekly and any water removed.
Gutters should be cleaned regularly.
Flower pot drip trays should be inspected often for mosquito larvae and remove them.
Swimming pools must be maintained at the proper chlorine level.
Pool covers that collect water should be drained, flushed regularly or treated with chlorine to stop mosquito breeding. Abandoned pools should be taken down or filled.
Clear any bushes around your home.
MALARIA is curable and preventable, but it remains the leading killer disease in Africa. About 70,000-110,000 child deaths from malaria are recorded annually, according to statistics at the health ministry.
It is estimated that 40% of health facility expenditures in Africa are spent on malaria treatment. A new report which was released on November 6 shows that access to anti-malarials is still a dream for many Ugandans in rural areas.
A new report launched by Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) warns of an urgent need to improve access to anti-malarials.
The report titled: Understanding the Anti-malarials Market: Uganda 2007 is based on data gathered by the Ministry of Health and MMV for the development and delivery of low cost effective malaria treatment.
“About 350 Ugandan children die every day due to malaria. This report shows how we can make life-saving ACTs available to this vulnerable population,†said the health minister Dr. Stephen Mallinga.
The study found that although the Government and World Health Organisation (WHO) recommend new effective antimalarial medicines called ‘artemisinin combination therapies’ (ACTs), these are not widely available in the rural areas.
The report says that ACTs can cost up to 60 times more than the ineffective medicines like chloroquine.
The study was carried out in nine districts.
“This study provides powerful evidence to policy-makers and donors to build a case for greater accessibility of effective antimalarials via all channels, public or private,†said Chris Hentschel, the chief executive officer of MMV.
The report showed that 71% of outlets providing antimalarial medicines are private facilities and that, due to their high price, ACTs are not widely available.
ACTs are free in the public sector, but are often not available due to stock outs.
According to the report governments and donors will not win the fight against malaria and poverty unless they continue to strengthen the public health sector.
However, the study recommends that ACTs must also be made available in the private sector at a cheaper price. The study presents evidence on the urgent need for action to ensure ACTs reach more people.
Building on the evidence, MMV and the health ministry are conducting pilot studies to assess the impact of making subsidized ACTs available via the private sector.
The report is being launched at a critical time – when the Global Fund Board will decide when and how to implement a new subsidy initiative - the “Affordable Medicines Facility for malaria†- to make effective malaria medicines affordable and available through all appropriate channels.
Highlights of the Report
• ACTs comprised only 10% of 174 anti-malarials on the market.
• An average family’s yearly ACT needs can cost up to 62 days of the household’s basic food needs and 91 days of average household income.
• Only 50% of patients buy a full course of medicines, increasing the risk of resistance.
Tips on prevention of malaria
Plastic containers can trap stagnant water that will breed mosquitoes. They should be checked weekly and any water removed.
Gutters should be cleaned regularly.
Flower pot drip trays should be inspected often for mosquito larvae and remove them.
Swimming pools must be maintained at the proper chlorine level.
Pool covers that collect water should be drained, flushed regularly or treated with chlorine to stop mosquito breeding. Abandoned pools should be taken down or filled.
Clear any bushes around your home.