Accessibility of malaria commodities in Geita District Council, mainland Tanzania: the experiences from healthcare providers and clients

TL;DR

This study examines why malaria medicines are not consistently available in health facilities in Tanzania, finding that government facilities face delivery delays while private facilities struggle with costs.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into the specific logistical and financial barriers affecting malaria commodity accessibility in different types of health facilities in Tanzania.

Findings

Government facilities had 100% availability of malaria commodities, but faced issues with delayed deliveries.

Private and faith-based facilities had availability ranging from 10% to 80%, with stockouts due to lack of funds.

High costs and poor stocking levels prevent patients from receiving complete malaria treatment in private facilities.

Abstract

Access to essential malaria commodities is a cornerstone in malaria control. However optimal availability and access to essential malaria commodities remain a challenge in Tanzania. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the factors affecting the accessibility of malaria commodities in Tanzania.

This was a mixed-method cross-sectional study using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were collected between February and March 2023 from health facilities, health facility staff, and patients.

Availability of malaria commodities in government health facilities was 100% for all items while in the private and faith-based facilities, this ranged from 10% to 80%. The reasons for stockouts in Government facilities were related to delayed and inadequate quantity delivery while in private facilities the main reason was the lack of cash for procurement. Both private facilities’ clients and healthcare providers concurred that most people do not access complete treatment due to the high costs of prescribed medicines and poor stocking levels.

The availability, hence the accessibility, of malaria commodities in private and faith-based health facilities is still sub-optimal. Logistic management needs to be improved to eliminate stockouts and malaria commodities high costs need a permanent solution.