Self-medication and Anti-malarial Drug Resistance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): A silent threat

Abstract

Background Malaria is a global infectious (vector-borne: Anopheles mosquitoes) disease which is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Among all its parasitic (protozoan: Plasmodium sp.) variants, Plasmodium falciparum (PF) is the most virulent and responsible for above 90% of global malaria deaths hence making it a global public health threat. Main context Despite current front-line antimalarial treatments options especially allopathic medications and malaria prevention (and control) strategies especially governmental policies and community malaria intervention programs in SSA, PF infections remains prevalent due to increased antimicrobial/antimalarial drug resistance caused by several factors especially genetic mutations and auto(self)-medication practices in SSA. In this article, we focused on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as the largest SSA country by bringing perspective into the impact of self-medication and antimalarial drug resistance, and provided recommendation for long-term improvement and future analysis in malaria prevention and control in SSA. Conclusions Self-medication and anti-malarial drug resistance is a major challenge to malaria control in DRC and sub-Saharan Africa, and to achieve sustainable control, individual, community and governmental efforts must be aligned to stop self-medication, and strengthen the health systems against malaria.

Experiences of healthcare personnel on the efficacy of artemisinin-based combination therapy and malaria diagnosis in hospitals in Uganda

“…Anti-malarial self-medication among malaria symptomatic patients seeking treatment in hospitals was commonly encountered by the healthcare personnel. This is like reports from other studies that have found high prevalence of self-medication using anti-malarial agents in malaria affected regions [ 13 , 14 ]. Despite being prescription-only medicines, anti-malarial agents are accessed over the counter especially in most malaria affected countries.…”

Experiences of healthcare personnel on the efficacy of artemisinin-based combination therapies and malaria diagnosis in hospitals in Uganda

“…Antimalarial self-medication among malaria symptomatic patients seeking treatment in hospitals was commonly encountered by the healthcare personnel. This is like reports from other studies that have found high prevalence of self-medication using antimalarial agents in malaria affected regions [13,14]. Despite being prescription only medicines, antimalarial agents are accessed over the counter especially in most malaria affected countries.…”

“…Despite being prescription only medicines, antimalarial agents are accessed over the counter especially in most malaria affected countries. Self-treatment is likely to lead to delay in accessing appropriate treatment thus worsening of the disease which potentially leads to wasting of more resources and increased risk of morbidity and mortality [13]. The inability of healthcare personnel to con rm prior use of antimalarial agents among malaria symptomatic patients seeking treatment in hospitals further affects monitoring of self-medication in the country.…”

Efficacy of Plasmoquine for the Treatment of Plasmodium Vivax and Plasmodium Falciparum

“…The great majority of cases are caused by P. falciparum and P. vivax. Plasmodium falciparum malaria, for example, is responsible for more than 90% of malaria cases and almost all malaria fatalities globally [2].…”