The Department of Chocó has Colombia’s second-highest malaria burden. Malaria control is particularly difficult in this department as a result of its widely dispersed population, difficult geographical access, and frequent problems involving law and order. A study conducted in Chocó by the Systems for Improved Access to Pharmaceuticals and Services (SIAPS) Program in 2012 revealed the absence of procedures and mechanisms for ensuring adequate antimalarial supply management at the primary level of care. In 81 percent of the health posts visited, for example, staff lacked the knowledge required to properly estimate the amounts of antimalarial medicines required to replenish stock on hand.
