Nigerian pharmacists have expressed concern about the increasing number of incomplete malaria treatments by patients in the country.
They warned that this trend could lead to heightened resistance to medication and a surge in severe malaria cases.
Dr Michael Obaro, a Consultant Clinical Pharmacologist and Malaria Scientist at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, spoke with our correspondent on the sidelines of the 43rd annual conference of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
Obaro lamented that over 60 per cent of Nigerians discontinue oral medications while undergoing treatment, which he said remains a significant barrier to effective malaria management.
Obaro, who is also a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at the University of Ibadan, highlighted the importance of addressing poor adherence to medication use in malaria treatment during the unveiling of Coatal Forte Soft Gelatin Capsules — a formulation of artemether and lumefantrine — at the conference.
He explained that one way to address poor patient adherence is by using antimalarials that come in soft gel capsules, known for their enhanced bioavailability and patient-friendly properties.
According to him, the antimalarials are gaining attention in the pharmaceutical world, adding that unlike traditional tablets, soft gels can improve drug absorption, ensure consistent dosing, and provide a stable medium for active ingredients.
He added that soft gel formulations “can be taken without water, offer convenience for patients in areas where access to clean water may be limited, and include tamper-evident features, providing an additional layer of safety and trust for consumers.”
In the same vein, another pharmacist, Abimbola Bowoto, noted that incomplete treatment of malaria is a growing concern. Bowoto, who works with Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, added that using patient-friendly antimalarials in soft gel form could help address the challenge of poor adherence to treatment and reduce mortality from the health condition.
Credit: punchng.com
