2. Malaria - the facts are on the cards.
A consumer health education project

3. Collaborating Partners
Project Aim
To disseminate reliable and relevant consumer information on the prevention and timely treatment of malaria.
Collaborating Partners
Commonwealth Pharmaceutical Association
International Pharmaceutical Federation
World Health Organisation

4. The Malaria Fact Card Accessible at community level
Supports national treatment guidelines
Integrates easily into existing health infrastructures

5. Advantages of a Pharmacy Distribution Network
Pharmacists highly respected within their communities
Pharmacists have expertise and good communication skills
Pharmacists are the most accessible of all health professionals

8. Zimbabwe – location for pilot project
Target group – literate urban dwellers
National collaborative partners – Ministry of Health, Pharmaceutical Society, pharmaceutical industry, community pharmacy organizations.
Launched with extensive media coverage
Outcomes – Card incorporated into Ministry’s on-going malaria awareness campaigns.
Template for new Cards on HIV/AIDS and Bilharzia.

9. Ghana – malaria widespread and perennial
Focus on access – distribution to pharmacies, clinics and licensed chemical sellers throughout the country.
Focus on training – pharmacists trained as trainers for other healthcare workers.
Card supported by Ministry of Health.
Outcomes – Card printed in six local languages.

10. Tanzania – low income groups targeted
Focus on prevention – aimed to improve knowledge of prevention strategies to reduce transmission rates.
Focus on early treatment – Card designed to highlight timely treatment and included medication dosage chart.
Outcomes – distributed also through Care International Maternal and Child Health Clinics.

11. Evaluation in Tanzania (1)
A participatory evaluation in January 2004 consisted of:
Collaborating Organisations Focus Group
Pharmacists Focus Group
Consumer Survey *
* Final year pharmacy students assisted with the survey as part of their Health Promotion studies.

12. Evaluation in Tanzania (2)
Pharmacists Focus Group reported:
Dosage chart on Cards promoted consumer confidence.
Written advice on how to take medications promoted more appropriate use of medications.
Card a useful tool for more rational prescribing/dispensing.

13. Evaluation in Tanzania (3)
Organisations Focus Group reported:
Ministry of Health used Card to allay consumer fears during change in Treatment Guidelines.
Need for wider distribution of Cards.

14. Evaluation in Tanzania (4)
Consumer survey results:
Cards easy to read and understand.
More than 60% of consumers surveyed reported increased knowledge of malaria prevention strategies and improved use of medication.
Reduced fear of side effects from recently changed 1st line drug treatment.

15. Opportunities for Further Research
Further research could be undertaken to test the cost benefit of pharmacy initiated community based health education programs particularly in the area of preventable diseases.