Abstract:
Methods: Penicillin is the cornerstone of management for rheumatic heart disease (RHD), an important public health problem in Africa. An online survey was used to collect data from African health workers about availability and administration of penicillin.
Results: There were 30 respondents from 14 countries. Unavailability of benzathine penicillin G (BPG) was reported by 30% of respondents. Skin testing was practiced by 40% of respondents, 30% did not have administration guides and only 30% had emergency kits available. The interval of BPG for secondary prophylaxis varied between two and four weeks. Major adverse reactions were observed by 30% of respondents, including anaphylactic shock/death in six cases. Forty-three per cent of respondents reported that health workers had concerns about BPG administration, including worry about reactions, pain and the viscosity of the solution, and 50% were not confident to manage BPG allergy.
Conclusion: BPG availability should be addressed and African health workers’ knowledge and practices need to be augmented.
Availability and administration of benzathine penicillin G for the prevention of rheumatic fever in Africa: Report of the Working Group on Penicillin
Benzathine penicillin G availability should be addressed and African health workers’ knowledge and practices need to be augmented