Table 3 Illustrative quotes for the use of malaria rapid diagnostic test for malaria diagnosis and anti-malarial drug prescription practices by participants

“In this hospital [PHC centre] we use RDT routinely. 100% of fever in this hospital is being diagnosed using RDT. Once fever, we must use RDT. We have RDT available all the time unlike microscopy as we do not have lab scientist all the time.” (Female)

“We give coartem, AL [artemether-lumefantrine], it [the dose] depends on the age and weight of the patient….” (Female)

“On that day one, the first dose is as soon as possible, next dose 8 h [later]. Day two, morning and night, that is 12 h [apart] and so you do on the third day.” (Female)

“When the [RDT] result is positive and there is fever, we use antipyretics, paracetamol or any other, with AL [artemether-lumefantrine]. In negative cases, we do use mostly antibiotics.” (Female)

“If the person's test is positive, we treat using anti-malarial which is ACT [for] 3 days completely. If negative, we will now check [for] some other signs, like in children, difficulty in breathing, we may suspect pneumonia and give amoxil [amoxicillin].” (Female)