Indicator-Based Assessment on Antimalarial Drug Availability and Utilization Among Selected Public Health Facilities in Southwest Ethiopia

Malaria is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in tropical and subtropical countries. The availability, appropriate management, and rational use of medicines are critical to the successful implementation of the malaria control programs. The aim was to assess the availability, use, and utilization of medicines used for preventing and treating malaria in public health facilities in Jimma zone in Southwest Ethiopia. An indicator-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from March 25 to April 30, 2011 at selected public health facilities, providing antimalaria drugs to treat and prevent malaria in Jimma zone. Three data collection techniques were used: document reviews, structured interviews, and physical inventory checks using the World Health Organization Checklist. All data collected were then analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 16.0 software. On average, 88% of the core medicines monitored was available in the public health facilities and 90% of the medicines prescribed by the prescriber were dispensed to the patients. On average, stock out period was 38%. The highest and lowest prescribed antimalaria drugs observed are Artemether/lumefantrine 120 mg/20 mg tablet and chloroquine syrup, which were 45% and 5.5%, respectively. The adherence to Standard Treatment Guidelines of Ethiopia (STG) was 85%. There was poor inventory control system and long stock out period, and the majority of prescribers are adhering to national STGs. Implementing good inventory control system, training on drug supply management, and continuous supervision of the public health facilities by zonal health bureau is recommended.