Effect of the Affordable Medicines Facility for malaria (AMFm) on the availability of antimalarials in Nigeria.

Background: Malaria is one of the most important causes of mortality worldwide. Use of the most effective treatments remains inadequate for those in need and there is concern over the emergence of resistance. Rapid, accurate and accessible detection of malaria parasites plays a role in promoting more rational use of increasingly costly drugs in many endemic areas.

Cost implication of irrational prescribing of chloroquine in Lagos State general hospitals.

Background: A major share of the hospital budget is spent on drugs. Irrational use of these drugs is a waste of financial and human resources that could have been deployed for another use within the hospital setting especially in cases where such drugs are provided free to patients. Also there is increased morbidity and progression of severity with irrational use.