The approach of our research is simple and is tackled in two stages; the first involves formulating questionnaires to be used in data collection. The second involves accumulating malaria ACT statistics in the action areas of service delivery readiness and functioning, drug quality and consumer behavior through field studies in eight countries.

The collection and processing of these data is a country led activity to provide sound evidence for qualitative country-specific policy recommendations. The use of standardized indicators allow for broad trends to be identified and global policy recommendations to be made. The use of these recommendations as blueprints by malaria affected countries will constitute success for the ACTwatch project.

ACTwatch will achieve its goal through three primary objectives which are to provide policy makers with evidence and actionable recommendations in the following areas:

Service delivery readiness and functioning
Levels and trends in the availability, price, quality, volume, retailer perceptions, and knowledge of antimalarial drugs at different service delivery points;

Supply chain
The components of the consumer price of antimalarials, as well as current policy influences on the market and, specifically, on mark-ups from import to outlet; and

Consumer behavior
Consumer treatment-seeking behavior, and volumes of specific antimalarials consumed, to support the development and monitoring of policies and other interventions to increase rates of effective malaria treatment.