@Article{ AUTHOR = {Kassi, Kondo Fulgence Kassi and Kiki-Barro, Pulcherie Christiane Marie Kiki-Barro and Konaté-Touré, Abibatou Konaté-Touré and Kone, Estelle Gnanyo Massafoma Kone and Bosson-Vanga, Abo Henriette Bosson-Vanga and Angora, Kpongbo Etienne Angora and Bedia-Tanoh, Akoua Valérie Bedia-Tanoh and Miezan, Assohoun Jean Sebastien Miezan and Djohan, Vincent Djohan and Yavo, William Yavo and Menan, Eby Ignace Hervé Menan}, TITLE = {Involvement of Private Pharmacies in the Biological Diagnosis of Malaria Cases: The Case of Côte d’Ivoire}, JOURNAL = {African Journal of Parasitology, Mycology and Entomology}, VOLUME = {2}, YEAR = {2024}, NUMBER = {1}, PAGES = {0--0}, URL = {https://ajpme.jams.pub/article/2/1/271}, ISSN = {1987-1473}, 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.}, DOI = {10.35995/ajpme2010006} }