Palafox, Benjamin and Patouillard, Edith and Tougher, Sarah and Goodman, Catherine and Hanson, Kara and Kleinschmidt, Immo and Rueda, Sergio Torres and Kiefer, Sabine and O'Connell, Kathryn A. and Zinsou, Cyprien and Phok, Sochea and Akulayi, Louis and Arogundade, Ekundayo and Buyungo, Peter and Mpasela, Felton and Chavasse, Desmond. (2014) Understanding private sector antimalarial distribution chains : a cross-sectional mixed methods study in six malaria-endemic countries. PLoS ONE, Vol. 9, H. 4 , e93763.
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Official URL: http://edoc.unibas.ch/dok/A6263148
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Abstract
Private for-profit outlets are important treatment sources for malaria in most endemic countries. However, these outlets constitute only the last link in a chain of businesses that includes manufacturers, importers and wholesalers, all of which influence the availability, price and quality of antimalarials patients can access. We present evidence on the composition, characteristics and operation of these distribution chains and of the businesses that comprise them in six endemic countries (Benin, Cambodia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Uganda and Zambia).; We conducted nationally representative surveys of antimalarial wholesalers during 2009-2010 using an innovative sampling approach that captured registered and unregistered distribution channels, complemented by in-depth interviews with a range of stakeholders. Antimalarial distribution chains were pyramidal in shape, with antimalarials passing through a maximum of 4-6 steps between manufacturer and retailer; however, most likely pass through 2-3 steps. Less efficacious non-artemisinin therapies (e.g. chloroquine) dominated weekly sales volumes among African wholesalers, while volumes for more efficacious artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) were many times smaller. ACT sales predominated only in Cambodia. In all countries, consumer demand was the principal consideration when selecting products to stock. Selling prices and reputation were key considerations regarding supplier choice. Business practices varied across countries, with large differences in the proportions of wholesalers offering credit and delivery services to customers, and the types of distribution models adopted by businesses. Regulatory compliance also varied across countries, particularly with respect to licensing. The proportion of wholesalers possessing any up-to-date licence from national regulators was lowest in Benin and Nigeria, where vendors in traditional markets are important antimalarial supply sources.; The structure and characteristics of antimalarial distribution chains vary across countries; therefore, understanding the wholesalers that comprise them should inform efforts aiming to improve access to quality treatment through the private sector.
Faculties and Departments: | 09 Associated Institutions > Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) > Department of Swiss Centre for International Health (SCIH) > Systems Strengthening and Health Promotion (Prytherch) 09 Associated Institutions > Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) |
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UniBasel Contributors: | Kiefer, Sabine |
Item Type: | Article, refereed |
Article Subtype: | Research Article |
Publisher: | Public Library of Science |
e-ISSN: | 1932-6203 |
Note: | Publication type according to Uni Basel Research Database: Journal article |
Language: | English |
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edoc DOI: | |
Last Modified: | 31 Aug 2018 06:39 |
Deposited On: | 15 Aug 2014 07:16 |
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