Price subsidies increase the use of private sector ACTs: evidence from a systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) are the recommended first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria in most endemic countries, they have been prohibitively expensive in the retail sector where many suspected malaria cases purchase treatment. ACT subsidies seek to stimulate consumer demand for the drugs over cheaper but often ineffective alternatives by reducing their prices. Recent evidence from eight regions implementing such subsidies suggests that they are generally successful in improving availability of the drugs and decreasing their retail prices, but it remains unclear whether these outcomes translate to improved use by patients with suspected malaria.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted to identify reports of experimental

SUBMITTER: Morris A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4353896 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature