Community acceptability of use of rapid diagnostic tests for malaria by community health workers in Uganda
Published:
Resources: Journal article
Authors: David Mukanga, James K Tibenderana, Juliet Kiguli, George W Pariyo, Peter Waiswa, Francis Bajunirwe, Brian Mutamba, Helen Counihan, Godfrey Ojiambo, Karin Kallander
Abstract
Many malarious countries plan to introduce artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) at community level using community health workers (CHWs) for treatment of uncomplicated malaria. Use of ACT with reliance on presumptive diagnosis may lead to excessive use, increased costs and rise of drug resistance. Use of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) could address these challenges but only if the communities will accept their use by CHWs. This study assessed community acceptability of the use of RDTs by Ugandan CHWs, locally referred to as community medicine distributors (CMDs).
Citation: Malaria Journal, 2010; 9: 203.