Kenya may miss out on malaria support

Kenya may miss out on millions of pounds worth of malaria funds because of poor aid accounting and bad drugs practices.

The government has not been able to show the US-based Global Fund where malaria medication money has been spent, according to the Nation.

In April the newspaper reported this may lead to the country missing out on as much as Sh13 billion (£100 million) of malaria aid.

Despite Mwai Kibaki ending 40 years of Kanu rule in Kenya in 2002, the government has still been plagued by accusations of corruption.

The BBC reported some donors estimated up to $1 billion (£642 million) had been lost between 2002 and 2005.

Manufacturing and selling medication which is not recommended by the World Health Organization medication appears to have exacerbated the problem.

A spot check by the Nation discovered at least 15 brands available over the counter, despite Kenya's minister for medical services Professor Anyang' Nyong'o denying artemisinin monotherapies were on sale.

He said the Pharmacy and Poisons Board had given manufacturers notice to stop the sale of these drugs by the end of last month.

News brought to you by Global Health TV, covering the issues of health in the developing world.