Antimalarials dispensing pattern by patent medicine dealers in rural settlements in Nigeria

The pattern of antimalarial dispensing by Patent Medicine Dealers (PMD) was studied in 17 villages of Gokana (Ogoni Land) in Rivers State of Nigeria. Of the 40 PMDs studied only eight (20%) had had formal health training and only eight could understand doctorʹs prescriptions. In total, 19 different types of antimalarials could be obtained from the individual ranges of antimalarials displayed by the 40 PMDs in the study. Chloroquine phosphate was the most frequently available. Twenty-three (57.5%) of PMDs administered Chloroquine at below the recommended dose of this drug. Twelve (30%) PMDs, eight with formal training and four others, administered the correct dose whilst five (12.5%) gave too much. All 40 of the PMDs studied knew how to dispense Daraprim and Fansidar correctly. We conclude that malaria control through prevention and treatment would be more effective if PMDs were to receive training on antimalarial dispensing alongside Community Health Workers. Health (2000) 114, 282–285