1Faculty of Health Sciences, Abdou Moumouni University, Niamey, Niger
2National Hospital of Niamey, Niger
3Niger Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency, Niamey, Niger
4Faculty of Health Sciences of the Dan Dicko, Dankoulodo University, Maradi, Niger
5General Hospital of Reference, Niamey, Niger
6University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Mali
Online published on 18 April, 2023.
Malaria is a major public health problem in Niger. It accounts for 28% of all illnesses in the country and 50% of all death records. The objective of our study was to analyze the role played by private pharmacies in the management of uncomplicated malaria.
This are a descriptive analytical cross-sectional study, conducted in the form of a survey during the period from May 17 to September 15, 2021 in private pharmacies in Niamey. The study population was composed of incumbent pharmacists, assistant pharmacists, sales agents and customers of private pharmacies.
A total of 10 pharmacists, 49 sales assistants and 1000 customers were interviewed. More than 62% of patients did not see a prescriber before coming to the pharmacy. Free access to anti-malarial and knowledge of the disease were the main reasons with 52.09% and 34.56% respectively. Of the sales agents, 76% had attended a training institute. Only 10% of pharmacies have a rapid diagnostic test for malaria and 7 pharmacists or 10% are aware of the existence of national control program.
The pharmacy team had good knowledge of the causative agent of the disease, the signs suggestive of simple malaria. However, the national guidelines for the management of malaria were unknown to pharmacists in private pharmacies.
Malaria, Niamey, National Malaria Control Program (NMCP)
