Browsing by Author "Masoamphambe, Effie"

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    Evaluating the state of market systems for antimicrobials in Malawi
    (Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, 2020-11-11) Masoamphambe, Effie
    Type of Study: This study will employ an exploratory qualitative research approach. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions will be done with key informants to generate knowledge and insight for the current processes within the supply chain and market for antimicrobials in Malawi. The product of the study will be network maps that will be used to illustrate the current pathways for antimicrobials from the suppliers to the markets. The problem: Limiting factors within the supply chain cause an imbalance and consequently affects the overall capacity for delivering health care services. This problem is particularly graver for antimicrobials as failure to sustain supply of antimicrobials counters the very efforts of promoting prudent use of antimicrobials as stipulated in the Malawi Antimicrobial Resistance Action Plan. Although studies have reported the role of studying antimicrobial supply chain on ensuring sustainable and timely supply of quality antimicrobials, there is inadequate literature with information regarding the current supply chain system of antimicrobials in Malawi. Study Objectives: A. Broad Objective To describe the supply chain and market system for antimicrobial agents in Malawi. B. Specific Objectives 1. To map routes of antimicrobials from suppliers to markets in Malawi 2. To identify key players and their roles in the antimicrobial supply chain in Malawi 3. To describe the relationships between the antibiotic market system actors, regulators and stakeholders 4. To describe the most commonly purchased antibiotics within the antimicrobial market in Malawi. Methodology: To achieve the objectives of this study, an exploratory qualitative study will be done. Data will be collected using key informant interviews, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The study design will allow for non-probabilistic sampling methods which will be convenience sampling and eventually snowball sampling. The data will be systematically organized using NVivo and analyzed through thematic analyses. Expected findings: This study is expected to map out the processes within the antimicrobial supply chain and describe the roles and relationships between supply chain actors in Malawi. Dissemination of Results: The findings from this study will be disseminated through writing and oral presentations. A thesis will be submitted at the Malawi College of Medicine, Pathology department, COMREC, Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme and CoM library. The results will also be presented at the CoM Research Dissemination conference and published in peer reviewed journals.