Cost-Effectiveness of Malaria Vector Control Strategies
Author Information
Author(s): Yukich Joshua O, Lengeler Christian, Tediosi Fabrizio, Brown Nick, Mulligan Jo-Ann, Chavasse Des, Stevens Warren, Justino John, Conteh Lesong, Maharaj Rajendra, Erskine Marcy, Mueller Dirk H, Wiseman Virginia, Ghebremeskel Tewolde, Zerom Mehari, Goodman Catherine, McGuire David, Urrutia Juan Manuel, Sakho Fana, Hanson Kara, Sharp Brian
Primary Institution: Swiss Tropical Institute
Hypothesis
How do the costs and effectiveness of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) compare to indoor residual spraying (IRS) for malaria control?
Conclusion
Both ITNs and IRS are highly cost-effective vector control strategies, with ITNs being more cost-effective in highly endemic settings.
Supporting Evidence
- ITNs cost between USD 1.21 and USD 6.05 per treated net-year of protection.
- IRS costs per person-year of protection ranged from USD 3.27 to USD 3.90.
- ITNs are more cost-effective than IRS for highly endemic settings.
- Integrated ITN free distribution campaigns are the most efficient way to increase ITN coverage.
- The cost per child death averted ranged from USD 438 to USD 2,199 for ITNs.
Takeaway
This study looks at how much it costs to protect people from malaria using nets and spraying. It finds that using nets is usually cheaper and better for areas with a lot of malaria.
Methodology
Costs were measured locally or derived from existing studies, focusing on the provider perspective and including direct costs of net purchases by users.
Potential Biases
Uncontrollable differences in infrastructure, society, and culture may induce bias in the results.
Limitations
Comparative costs and operational requirements for ITNs and IRS may vary significantly across different settings, making direct comparisons challenging.
Participant Demographics
The study covers various ITN and IRS programs across multiple sub-Saharan African countries.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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