This is a study of how well caregivers of children with malaria adhere to the recommended regimen for lumefantrine-artemether (LA). Children were randomly assigned to either a group receiving directly observed treatment in hospital or to a group treated at home by the routine caregiver (typically, patient's mother). Clinical/parasitologic, hematologic, pharmacologic and qualitative parameters were monitored over a 28-day follow-up period and are used to evaluate drug adherence.

Inclusion criteria:

• age < 5 years of age.
• axillary temperature >= 37.5oC
• unmixed infection with P. falciparum of between 1,000 and 250,000 asexual parasites/mm3 as determined by microscopic examination of thick, or thick and thin peripheral blood smears.
• parent/guardian's informed consent and willingness to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria:

• any evidence of severe or complicated malaria that would require hospitalization for treatment.
• reported allergy to any antimalarial drugs, including artemisinin derivatives and sulfa drugs.