Feasibility and Impact of Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests in the African Retail Sector

Evaluation of the Feasibility and Impact of Introducing Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests in the Retail Sector: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Eastern Uganda

The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility and impact of introducing subsidized malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) into retail sector drug shops in Uganda. This is a randomized controlled trial at the village level, taking place in 6 districts in Eastern Uganda. Licensed drug shops in selected villages were trained in proper RDT storage, administration, interpretation and disposal and were given access to subsidized RDTs for sale. This study explores whether drug shop owners--when given access to training and subsidized RDTs--will choose to promote and sell RDTs to customers and, if so, at what volume and what price. The investigators also explore whether shops will safely store, administer, interpret and dispose of RDTs and to what extent they will use RDT results to guide treatment recommendations. Finally, the study explores whether making RDTs available for sale in local drug shops has a community level impact on diagnostic testing and appropriate treatment for malaria.

Inclusion Criteria:

Drug Shops:

• Licensed and registered as a Drug Shop with the Ugandan National Drug Authority

Households:

• Live in the village of participating drug shop
• Female household head is 18 or over

Exclusion Criteria:

Drug Shops:

• Drug Shop not registered with Ugandan National Drug Authority
• Female household head is under 18