Monitoring the Quality of Antimalarial Medicines Circulating in Kenya

According to the World Health Organization, malaria is responsible for approximately 10% of outpatient visits and 15% of hospital admissions in Kenya. The Quality of Antimalarials is a critical factor in the effective management of malaria, as substandard or counterfeit medicines can lead to treatment failure, increased morbidity, and mortality. The Division of Malaria Control, in collaboration with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, National Quality Control Laboratory, and the Promoting the Quality of Medicines program, conducted a study to monitor the quality of antimalarial medicines circulating in Kenya. The study was funded by The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and the United States President's Malaria Initiative/USAID through the United States Pharmacopeia, Promoting Quality Medicines. The main objective of the program was to assess the quality of antimalarial medicines in Kenya, with specific objectives including the evaluation of the quality of antimalarial medicines, identification of substandard or counterfeit medicines, and provision of recommendations for improvement. The study employed a sampling strategy that involved the selection of sentinel sites, medicines, and samples for analysis. The study involved the collection of samples from various sectors, including public and private health facilities, and the analysis of these samples using basic and compendial testing methods. The results of the study showed that a significant proportion of the samples collected were substandard or counterfeit, with the majority of these samples being from the private sector. The study also found that the registration status of the samples collected was a major concern, with a significant proportion of the samples being unregistered. The study recommended that the Pharmacy and Poisons Board strengthen its regulatory framework to ensure that all medicines, including antimalarials, are registered and meet the required quality standards. The study also highlighted the need for increased awareness and education among healthcare providers and the general public on the importance of quality medicines. The study recommended that the Division of Malaria Control, in collaboration with other stakeholders, implement a quality assurance program to ensure that all antimalarial medicines meet the required quality standards. The study's findings have significant implications for the management of malaria in Kenya, and highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to ensuring the quality of antimalarial medicines. The study's recommendations provide a framework for improving the quality of antimalarial medicines in Kenya, and contribute to the achievement of the country's malaria control goals.