Cost of Anti-Malarial Drugs must remain low
Chrispory Juma
Recent reports that the cost of anti-malarial drugs, popularly known as ACT (Artemisinin Combination Therapy) would go up as from next year threaten to derail on the already great strides made in the fight against Malaria.
Recent reports that the cost of anti-malarial drugs, popularly known as ACT (Artemisinin Combination Therapy) would go up as from next year threaten to derail on the already great strides made in the fight against Malaria.
Despite
our metropolitan capital and stable international reputation, malaria remains
on of the biggest donor recipients in the Ministry of Public Health and
Sanitation. Inspite of the numerous efforts, the scourge continues
to be the number one killer disease for pregnant mothers and the children under
five years of age.
Globally,
malaria impacts 247 million people, 212 million in Africa alone. According to
the Global Malaria Action Plan, Kenya is among the top five countries affected
by malaria
The Kenyan National Malaria
Strategy focuses on four main interventions, namely, vector control
(LLITNs-Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets, IRS-Indoor Residual Spraying),
prompt and effective treatment (ACT-Artenisinin Combination Therapy), malaria
prevention during pregnancy and disaster preparedness and response. In a
country where cure is more prioritized than prevention, increase in the prices
of ACTs would deal malaria treatment a major blow.
With few Malaria diagnostic and screening centres, many Kenyans' hopes lie in Pharmacies and Hospitals, which they hope shall continue to provide subsidized ACTs. Even if the subsidized ACTs were meant for a pilot study, anti-malarial drugs must continue to be accessible, affordable and effective. For poverty stricken families in Western Kenya regions where Malaria is endemic (cases are present throughout the year), the government must do something. It would not be feasible to spend Kshs. 300 for anti-malarial drugs with the rising standards of living. This would open lee-ways for cartels to not only sell counterfeits but also cash in on vulnerable Kenyans.
The writer is an intern with the Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, Homa Bay County.
With few Malaria diagnostic and screening centres, many Kenyans' hopes lie in Pharmacies and Hospitals, which they hope shall continue to provide subsidized ACTs. Even if the subsidized ACTs were meant for a pilot study, anti-malarial drugs must continue to be accessible, affordable and effective. For poverty stricken families in Western Kenya regions where Malaria is endemic (cases are present throughout the year), the government must do something. It would not be feasible to spend Kshs. 300 for anti-malarial drugs with the rising standards of living. This would open lee-ways for cartels to not only sell counterfeits but also cash in on vulnerable Kenyans.
The writer is an intern with the Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, Homa Bay County.
