Use of rectal artesunate for severe malaria at the community level, Zambia

Abstract

The administration of pre-referral rectal artesunate treatment to young children with severe malaria by community health volunteers was feasible, safe and effective in hard-to-reach communities in Zambia and was associated with a substantial decrease in the case fatality rate. The project's approach is highly adaptable and could be used in other countries with a high malaria burden.