Use of Laboratory Drug Sensitivity Tests and Prescription Practices in Malawi

Of the 13 million people in Malawi1 85% are rural and the country has high burden of under-five morbidity and mortality due to preventable infectious diseases. Respiratory, febrile and diarrhea diseases are the top 3 morbidity and mortality illnesses in most developing countries2. Acute medical care has greatly improved these conditions, but widespread and uncontrolled use of antibiotics threatens to reverse gains achieved so far. Drug sensitivity tests are a prerequisite to guide prescription practices.

Objective

Assessment of routine use of drug sensitivity test results to guide treatment choices in district hospitals in Malawi.