From: Biniam Tekle (biniamt@dehai.org)
Date: Mon Mar 30 2009 - 11:04:31 EST
Published on: 2009-03-30
Costs and cost-effectiveness of vector control in Eritrea using
insecticide-treated bed nets
While insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are a recognized effective method for
preventing malaria, there has been an extensive debate in recent years about
the best large-scale implementation strategy. Implementation costs and
cost-effectiveness are important elements to consider when planning ITN
programmes, but so far little information on these aspects is available from
national programmes.
Methods: This study uses a standardized methodology, as part of a larger
comparative study, to collect cost data and cost-effectiveness estimates
from a large programme providing ITNs at the community level and ante-natal
care facilities in Eritrea.
This is a unique model of ITN implementation fully integrated into the
public health system.
Results: Base case analysis results indicated that the average annual cost
of ITN delivery (2005 USD 3.98) was very attractive when compared with past
ITN delivery studies at different scales.
Financing was largely from donor sources though the Eritrean government and
net users also contributed funding. The intervention's cost-effectiveness
was in a highly attractive range for sub-Saharan Africa.
The cost per DALY averted was USD 13 - 44. The cost per death averted was
USD 438-1449.
Distribution of nets coincided with significant increases in coverage and
usage of nets nationwide, approaching or exceeding international targets in
some areas.
Conclusions: ITNs can be cost-effectively delivered at a large scale in
sub-Saharan Africa through a distribution system that is highly integrated
into the health system. Operating and sustaining such a system still
requires strong donor funding and support as well as a functional and
extensive system of health facilities and community health workers already
in place.
Author: Joshua O Yukich, Mehari Zerom, Tewolde Ghebremeskel, Fabrizio
Tediosi and Christian Lengeler
Credits/Source: Malaria Journal 2009, 8:51
Published on: 2009-03-30
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