Guideline-concordant care and outcomes for pediatric malaria cases: descriptive evidence from pharmacy-based fever management in Kenya

Pharmacies in this sample demonstrate high adherence to malaria diagnostic and treatment guidelines for pediatric febrile illness, with strong alignment between diagnosis and treatment and high rates of illness resolution. However, heterogeneity in care quality based on caregiver, child, and provider characteristics suggests opportunities to improve equity and consistency in pharmacy-based care. These findings underscore the importance of pharmacies in malaria case management and highlight the need for further research and policy attention to this critical access point in the healthcare system. Trial registration Not applicable.