ACTwatch project, Population Services International
Abstract
In Zambia, as in many low-income countries, private commercial providers play an important role in
the treatment of malaria. To design effective interventions for improved access to accurate
diagnosis and effective malaria treatment, there is a need to understand retailer behaviour and
identify the factors that influence their stocking and pricing decisions. Private commercial retailers
are the last link in a chain of manufacturers, importers and wholesalers and their supply sources are
likely to have an important influence on the price and quality of malaria treatment that consumers
can access. However, there is limited rigorous evidence on the structure and operation of the
distribution chain for antimalarial drugs that serves the retail sector.
The ACTwatch Supply Chain Study, one of the ACTwatch project components, aims to address this
gap by conducting quantitative and qualitative studies on distribution chains for antimalarials in the
ACTwatch countries (Cambodia, Uganda, Zambia, Nigeria, Benin, Madagascar and the Democratic
Republic of Congo). Other elements of ACTwatch include Retail Outlet and Household Surveys led by
Population Services International (PSI). This report presents the results of a cross-sectional survey of
antimalarial drug wholesalers conducted in Zambia between February and May 2009
