Costs of Introducing Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapy in Tanzania
Author Information
Author(s): Njau Joseph D, Goodman Catherine A, Kachur S Patrick, Mulligan Jo, Munkondya John S, Mchomvu Naiman, Abdulla Salim, Bloland Peter, Mills Anne
Primary Institution: Ifakara Health Research & Development Centre
Hypothesis
What are the financial costs associated with implementing artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) in Tanzania?
Conclusion
Implementing ACT in Tanzania requires substantial financial resources, with drug costs being the majority of the total expenses.
Supporting Evidence
- The total cost for implementing ACT in Rufiji District was approximately 1,037,787 USD over three years.
- Drug purchases accounted for 72.8% of the total costs.
- Non-drug costs, including training and communication, were significant, making up 31.4% of overall costs in the best estimate scenario.
- Annual implementation costs were equivalent to 9.5% of Tanzania's recurrent health sector budget.
Takeaway
This study shows that changing malaria treatment to a new drug is very expensive, and a lot of money is needed to make it work well.
Methodology
Detailed financial data were collected over three years on the costs of providing ACT in Rufiji District, including drug purchases, distribution, training, and communication materials.
Potential Biases
Potential leakage of ACT supplies to private outlets could increase costs significantly during national implementation.
Limitations
The study may overestimate costs as it reflects a well-funded implementation in a specific district, which may not represent broader national conditions.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on Rufiji District, which has a population of approximately 212,144.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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