Adherence to national malaria treatment guidelines: A retrospective study among healthcare workers in community pharmacies, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Introduction Malaria is one of the leading causes of mortality in developing countries and remains a major public health problem globally. Purpose This retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate prescribers' adherence to the national malaria management policy in Kinshasa, DRC. Eight publicly accessible community pharmacies were randomly selected to collect malaria prescriptions in the Tshangu district. Methods The study surveyed authorized pharmacies and patients who agreed to participate through a simple, easy-to-understand questionnaire. A total of 1,088 prescriptions were collected. Of the 448 (41.2%) for treating severe malaria, 388 (86.6%) contained injectable Artesunate, 36 (8.04%) injectable Artemether, 24 (5.36%) injectable quinine, and 428 (95.5%) antibiotics. Of the 640 (58.8%) prescriptions for treating simple malaria, 488 (76.25%) contained Artemether-Lumefantrine tablets, 68 (10.625%) quinine tablets, 36 (5.625%) other antimalarials outside the recommended therapeutic combinations, and 552 (86.2%) antibiotics. Results The rate of adherence to the national malaria treatment policy was 18.75% for the treatment of severe malaria and 76.25% for the treatment of simple malaria. Conclusion Ongoing training for prescribers on national malaria management guidelines and increased public awareness of the activities of the National Malaria Control Program (PNLP) are necessary to improve adherence to the national malaria management policy. Additionally, we recommend that authorities ensure the guidelines are enforced by conducting periodic investigations in regional medical centers, with a focus on adherence to prescription rules.