Data Brief: Self-medication in children under 5 with fever in Cameroon – protect children’s health by avoiding unregulated medicine use

Self-medication for fever in children under 5 is a widespread practice in Cameroon. The results of the Cameroon Malaria Indicator Survey (CMIS) showed that in 2022, nearly 65% of children suffering from fever received treatment without prior medical consultation. Several factors contribute to the use of self-medication in the event of fever in children under 5, notably the low purchasing power of the population, and easy access to street and pharmacy medicines without a prescription. To reduce recourse to this practice, we can improve access to healthcare by reducing the cost of consultations and medicines in pharmacies through the introduction of universal health coverage. We can also wage a relentless battle against the sale of street medicines or medicines without a prescription, by forcing pharmacies to sell medicines only on prescription, closing all outlets selling street medicines, and raising awareness and educating people about the risks of self-medication

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