Improvements in Malaria Treatment in Zambia
Author Information
Author(s): Zurovac Dejan, Ndhlovu Mickey, Sipilanyambe Nawa, Chanda Pascalina, Hamer Davidson H, Simon Jon L, Snow Robert W
Primary Institution: KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Collaborative Programme
Hypothesis
How has the implementation of artemether-lumefantrine affected malaria case management in Zambia?
Conclusion
Significant improvements in malaria case-management have occurred over two years in Zambia, but the quality of treatment provided is still not optimal.
Supporting Evidence
- Health facility readiness to deliver artemether-lumefantrine improved significantly from 2004 to 2006.
- The proportion of children treated with artemether-lumefantrine increased from 1% to 27% for those weighing 5 to 9 kg.
- For children weighing 10 kg or more, the treatment rate with artemether-lumefantrine rose from 11% to 42%.
Takeaway
This study shows that more children in Zambia are getting the right medicine for malaria, but some still leave the clinic without any treatment.
Methodology
Cross-sectional surveys were conducted in 2004 and 2006 to assess health facility and health worker readiness and case-management practices for children with uncomplicated malaria.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in self-reported data from health workers and caretakers.
Limitations
The study may not fully capture the complexities of malaria treatment practices across all health facilities in Zambia.
Participant Demographics
Children under five years of age presenting with uncomplicated malaria.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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