DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/gamj.2024.v05i03.010

Pages: 87-89

Fever constitutes the first reason for consultation and hospitalization in pediatric practice in Africa. In Congo, as elsewhere in Africa, fever is most often compared to malaria, a situation which can be explained by the fact that the latter constitutes the primary cause of febrile illnesses [1]. Managing fevers at home requires early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. In sub-Saharan Africa, the WHO advises that any febrile syndrome should prescribe presumptive treatment with a usual antimalarial [2]. The National Malaria Control Program (PNLP) recommends chloroquine as first-line treatment, although Congo faces the problem of chemoresistance [3-6]. On the ground, the PNLP's recommendations come up against contrary practices on the part of families, following the use of unsuitable medications sold by "sidewalk pharmacies".