The use of self-medication in cases of fever in children under 5 years of age is a very widespread practice in Cameroon. The results of the Cameroon Malaria Indicator Survey (EIPC) showed that in 2022, nearly 65% of children with fever received treatment without prior medical consultation. Several determinants contribute to the use of self-medication in the event of fever in children under 5 years of age, including the low purchasing power of the population, easy access without a prescription to street medicines and in pharmacies. To reduce the use of this practice, access to health care can be improved by reducing consultation costs and pharmacy medicines through the implementation of universal health coverage. We can also wage a relentless fight against the sale of street or non-prescription drugs by forcing pharmacies to sell drugs only on prescription, closing all points of sale of street drugs and raising awareness and educating the population on the risks of self-medication.
