Barriers that Effect Malaria Treatment in Kenya

Malaria control is fully dependent on access to effective treatment and preventative measures. Unfortunately, very few infections are treated within a 24 hour period of time after contamination. Since 1980, there has been a massive movement of initiatives to improve access to treatment and other methods of malaria control in the sub-Saharan region of Africa.
There is a proven correlation between the poorest areas remaining less likely to seek treatment with the factors preventing them from seeing a doctor not fully understood. As of 2010, there is a crucial need to create a policy allowing these poor populations to reach necessary treatment. Kenya has plans to heavily subsidize these health medications.

Some of the most prevalent barriers that effect malaria treatment in Kenya include affordability, availability and acceptability. Approximately 40 percent of infected individuals that purchased store-bought treatment kits for self-administration and 42 percent that visited a health facility reported being unable to afford the medication. To raise the funds they borrowed money and used credit. Also influencing affordability is income sources, transport costs and unofficial payments.

Availability barriers relate to healthcare facility hours of operation, drug and staff shortages and the disorganization of the healthcare services. Finally, the acceptability barrier appeared to occur due to lack of education regarding the illness and treatment, distrust in the quality of healthcare, poor adherence to treatment regulations, patient expectations of the treatment and the relationship between the provider and patient.

Guaranteeing that all infected humans have access to effective malaria treatment is a major challenge for many areas of the world. Policies need to be designed and implemented regarding the previously listed barriers. Included is the method for revitalizing the public healthcare system. Malaria will continue to be a killer among the poor and underprivileged in the sub-Saharan region of Africa if no actions are taken in the near future.