Kenya to broaden access to anti-malaria drugs: official

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2008

NAIROBI (AFP) — Kenya announced plans Thursday to broaden access to anti-malaria drugs with the general sale of artemisinin-based therapy (ACT) -- currently only available in hospitals -- in a bid to reduce deaths.

"It is our intention before the end of December to make sure that we'll be able to get this new treatment over the counter," said Medical Services Assistant Minister Danson Mungatana.

The government has said it needs seven billion shillings (113 million dollars, 72 million euros) to combat malaria, which kills 34,000 children under the age of five each year and threatens the lives of more than 25 million from a total population of 35 million.

The disease accounts for 20 percent of all hospital admissions and between 30 and 50 percent of...