Quality of Antimalarials in Tanzania
Author Information
Author(s): Harparkash Kaur, Catherine Goodman, Eloise Thompson, Katy-Anne Thompson, Irene Masanja, S. Patrick Kachur, Salim Abdulla
Primary Institution: London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
Hypothesis
What is the quality of antimalarials available in retail outlets across mainland Tanzania?
Conclusion
Substandard antimalarial formulations were widely available in Tanzania at the time of this study.
Supporting Evidence
- 12.2% of the samples were found to be of poor quality.
- 23.8% of quinine tablets did not comply with quality standards.
- 13.4% of antifolate antimalarial drugs tested were of poor quality.
- All artemisinin derivatives contained the stated amount of active ingredient.
Takeaway
This study found that many antimalarial drugs sold in Tanzania are of poor quality, which can be dangerous for people trying to treat malaria.
Methodology
Samples of oral antimalarial tablets were systematically purchased from retail outlets across 21 districts in Tanzania and analyzed for quality using laboratory methods.
Potential Biases
Shop attendants may have concealed unregistered or expired products from data collectors.
Limitations
The study may not represent all market centers and excluded products that were expired or had no expiry date recorded.
Participant Demographics
Samples were collected from various retail outlets in rural Tanzania.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 14.8, 35.9
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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