Cost-effectiveness of Malaria Prevention for Travelers to West Africa
Author Information
Author(s): Lukas L. Widmer, Patricia R. Blank, Koen Van Herck, Christoph Hatz, Patricia Schlagenhauf
Primary Institution: University of Zürich
Hypothesis
Is partial reimbursement of malaria chemoprophylaxis cost-effective for travelers to West Africa?
Conclusion
Reimbursing 80% of the cost of the cheapest malaria chemoprophylaxis is highly effective and cost-effective for the Swiss health system.
Supporting Evidence
- An 80% reimbursement strategy could prevent 399 malaria cases annually.
- The current usage of malaria chemoprophylaxis among travelers is estimated at 68.7%.
- The cost per additional malaria case prevented is €2,302 under the 80% reimbursement strategy.
Takeaway
If Switzerland helps pay for malaria prevention medicine for travelers to West Africa, it can save lives and money.
Methodology
Cost-effectiveness analysis using a decision tree model based on malaria cases imported from West Africa to Switzerland.
Potential Biases
Potential overestimation of chemoprophylaxis usage due to reliance on data from European residents rather than Swiss-specific data.
Limitations
The study relies on estimates for the use of malaria chemoprophylaxis, which may not accurately reflect actual usage among Swiss travelers.
Participant Demographics
Travelers from Switzerland to West Africa, including a significant number of immigrants.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website