Malaria Consortium - UGANDA

Evaluation of adherence to and stock management of artemether/lumefantrine unit dosed pre-packed compared to blister packaging

Prompt and adequate treatment of clinical malaria episodes remains one of the key elements of malaria control and this partly depends on patients compliance to treatment. Uganda adopted Artemether-Lumefantrine as a first line treatment for uncomplicated malaria. This is available at the health facilities in form of 6 dose pre-packs with different dose strengths in different packages. However, concerns about the costs and stock-outs of these packages have been raised. Patients with history of fever and a positive blood smear will be randomized to receive either pre-packs or blister AL packs and visited on Day 3 to determine level of adherence to prescribed treatment. This study will help verify if blister packs can be used as an appropriate alternative to blister packs for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria.