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Pharmacists in West Africa have warned that government's plan to ban chloroquine use by July this year, as a first line drug for malaria management will spell doom.
Pharmacists in West Africa have warned that government's plan to ban chloroquine use by July this year, as a first line drug for malaria management will spell doom.
The Secretary General of the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists, Professor Mbang Femi-Oyewo, who gave the warning at a press briefing heralding the 18th Annual General and Scientific meeting of the College, cited poverty and limited availability of the Artemisinin-based combination therapy in the country as major concerns.
'The cost of artemisinin and derivatives is beyond the means of average malaria victim in the sub-region, where the average basic earning is below the World Bank level."
Sunday Sun investigation revealed that a dose of artemisinin-based combination therapy costs N750, as against N50, for chloroquine.
Femi-Oyewo, who articulated the position of WACP said: 'The WACP is worried that some governments in the region are considering a total ban of chloroquine by July, 2006. The WACP wishes to express its concern over hasty decision of governments in the sub-region to adopt policies that eliminate the use of chloroquine in the region for malaria treatment."
She noted that artemisinin and derivatives are still being obtained from natural sources adding that its distribution is limited to certain geographical locations, thus raising doubts about sustainability.
Besides, she said the manufacturers of artemisinin caution against its use amongst pregnant women, infants and nursing mothers, whom she said were most vulnerable to malaria.
Government's plan to place outright bans on chloroquine use a first line drug for malaria treatment, beginning from July 2006, stemmed from noticeable increase in resistance of malaria to chloroquine.
However, WACP, called on government to thoroughly reconsider its decision.
'In view of the inadequate justification for the proposed ban on the use of chloroquine for malaria treatment in the region and uncertainties surrounding the intended dependence on artemisinin derivatives, WACP, advises government's to revisit the decision."