Efficacy of amodiaquine/artesunate combination therapy for uncomplicated malaria in children under five years in ghana.

BACKGROUND In 2005, following several years of declining efficacy of chloroquine, the Ministry of Health recommended the use of Amodiaquine/Artesunate combination therapy for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria. A system of continuous monitoring of therapeutic responses has been established in 10 district hospitals across the country. The data gathered will enable National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) to respond to changes in the efficacy of the new treatment in a timely manner. OBJECTIVES To determine the 28 day therapeutic efficacy of Amodiaquine/Artesunate (AQ/AS) combination treatment in children with uncomplicated malaria in Ghana. METHODS Children aged 6 - 59 months attending clinic with signs/symptoms of uncomplicated malaria at 9 district hospitals (3 in each of the 3 eco-epidemiological zones of the country) were eligible for enrolment. Enrolled children were followed up after treatment for a total of 28 days to record the clinical and parasitological resolution of their malaria episode as well as any adverse drug reactions. RESULTS Treatment resulted in rapid and complete cure in almost all the children; 99.3% 14 days after treatment and 93.0%, 28 days after treatment. The majority of treatment failures on D28 were seen in the 3 sites located in the forest zones (Sunyani, Bekwai and Begoro). There was no case of Early Treatment Failure at both D14 and D28 assessments. Adverse events (AE's) were minimal, less than 4%, with the most common complaint being vomiting. CONCLUSION AQ/AS combination for uncomplicated malaria is efficacious and safe in children less than 5 years.