Understanding the Role of Accredited Drug Dispensing Outlets in Tanzania's Health System.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

People in many low-income countries access medicines from retail drug shops. In Tanzania, a public-private partnership launched in 2003 used an accreditation approach to improve access to quality medicines and pharmaceutical services in underserved areas. The government scaled up the accredited drug dispensing outlet (ADDO) program nationally, with over 9,000 shops now accredited. This study assessed the relationships between community members and their sources of health care and medicines, particularly antimicrobials, with a specific focus on the role ADDOs play in the health care system.

Methods

Using mixed methods, we collected data in four regions. We surveyed 1,185 households and audited 96 ADDOs and 84 public/nongovernmental health facilities using a list

SUBMITTER: Embrey M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5100953 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature