Socially-marketed rapid diagnostic tests and ACT in the private sector: ten years of experience in Cambodia
2011

Social Marketing of Malaria Treatments in Cambodia

Sample size: 3363 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Yeung Shunmay, Patouillard Edith, Allen Henrietta, Socheat Duong

Primary Institution: London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Hypothesis

How can social marketing improve access to malaria treatments in the private sector?

Conclusion

The social marketing program in Cambodia has increased awareness and availability of malaria treatments, but uptake remains a challenge.

Supporting Evidence

  • Awareness of the recommended ACT increased from 24% to 98% among providers over the years.
  • Availability of Malarine improved, but uptake remained low due to community perceptions.
  • The program faced challenges in reaching remote areas and ensuring consistent supply.

Takeaway

This study shows that marketing can help people find and buy the right medicine for malaria, but many still don't get tested before treatment.

Methodology

The study evaluated a social marketing program through household and provider surveys conducted over ten years.

Potential Biases

Potential biases in self-reported data from providers and consumers.

Limitations

The lack of standardization in survey methods and gaps in data hindered comprehensive evaluation.

Participant Demographics

The population of Cambodia is 13.7 million, with 80% living in rural areas and 40% living on less than $1.25 per day.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1475-2875-10-243

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