Involvement of Private Pharmacies in the Biological Diagnosis of Malaria Cases: The Case of Côte d’Ivoire
1 Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, UFR Faculty of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, Félix Houphouët Boigny University, Abidjan BPV 34, Côte d’Ivoire; (P.C.M.K.-B.); (A.K.-T.); (E.G.M.K.); (A.H.B.-V.); (K.E.A.); (A.V.B.-T.); (A.J.S.M.); (V.D.); (W.Y.); (E.I.H.M.)
2 Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, Center for Diagnosis and Research on SIDA and Other Infectious Diseases (CeDReS), Abidjan-Côte d’Ivoire, Treichville University Hospital, Abidjan BP V3, Côte d’Ivoire
3 Center for Research and Control of Malaria, National Institute of Public Health, Abidjan BPV 47, Côte d’Ivoire
* Corresponding author:
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 11 Sep 2023 / Revised: 6 Dec 2023 / Accepted: 25 Jan 2024 / Published: 30 May 2024
Abstract
Introduction. In Côte d’Ivoire, current policy recommends the introduction of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for malaria, including in the private sector, to facilitate effective case management. The main objective of the study was to examine the impact of introducing RDTs in private pharmacies with regard to national recommendations. Patients and methods. In order to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices after a few years of practice, a cross-sectional study was carried out from August to December 2015 among 300 professionals from private pharmacies (PPs) in the northern zone of the city of Abidjan. Results. Overall, PPs performing RDTs accounted for 25.1%. Fever (63.3%), headache (17.7%) and body aches (16.1%) were the main signs that led pharmacists to perform the test. The main criteria determining the choice of RDT are good sensitivity and specificity (45.6%), easy handling (42.6%) and lowest cost (11.8%). In 57.4% of cases, pharmacists performing RDTs said that the cost of the test (CFA 2000 or EUR 3 on average) is the main reason for non-acceptance by customers. In 97.1% of cases, the measures taken in the event of negative results were symptomatic treatment counselling followed by a medical consultation. In 2.9% of cases, some pharmacists recommended an antimalarial. On the other hand, in 92.6% of cases, the measures taken in the event of a positive result were antimalarial treatment with artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs). For pharmacies that did not carry out RDTs (74.9%), low customer demand was cited in 56.1% of cases. Conclusion. It would be appropriate for private pharmacy outlets to comply with the legislation by not carrying out RDTs within their pharmacies. Pending the implementation of these texts, it is imperative to improve on the shortcomings revealed.
Keywords: malaria; rapid diagnostic tests; private pharmacies; Côte d’Ivoire
OPEN ACCESS
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution
License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium,
provided the original work is properly cited. (CC BY 4.0).
CITE
Kassi, K.F.; Kiki-Barro, P.C.M.; Konaté-Touré, A.; Kone, E.G.M.; Bosson-Vanga, A.H.; Angora, K.E.; Bedia-Tanoh, A.V.; Miezan, A.J.S.; Djohan, V.; Yavo, W.; Menan, E.I.H. Involvement of Private Pharmacies in the Biological Diagnosis of Malaria Cases: The Case of Côte d’Ivoire. ajpme 2024, 2, 6.
Kassi KF, Kiki-Barro PCM, Konaté-Touré A, Kone EGM, Bosson-Vanga AH, Angora KE, Bedia-Tanoh AV, Miezan AJS, Djohan V, Yavo W, Menan EIH. Involvement of Private Pharmacies in the Biological Diagnosis of Malaria Cases: The Case of Côte d’Ivoire. African Journal of Parasitology, Mycology and Entomology. 2024; 2(1):6.
Kassi, Kondo Fulgence; Kiki-Barro, Pulcherie Christiane Marie; Konaté-Touré, Abibatou; Kone, Estelle Gnanyo Massafoma; Bosson-Vanga, Abo Henriette; Angora, Kpongbo Etienne; Bedia-Tanoh, Akoua Valérie; Miezan, Assohoun Jean Sebastien; Djohan, Vincent; Yavo, William; Menan, Eby Ignace Hervé. 2024. "Involvement of Private Pharmacies in the Biological Diagnosis of Malaria Cases: The Case of Côte d’Ivoire." ajpme 2, no. 1: 6.
Not implemented
SHARE
