Cost-Effectiveness of HIV Intervention for Sex Workers in Ahmedabad
Author Information
Author(s): Fung Isaac C-H, Guinness Lorna, Vickerman Peter, Watts Charlotte, Vannela Gangadhar, Vadhvana Jagdish, Foss Anna M, Malodia Laxman, Gandhi Meena, Jani Gaurang
Primary Institution: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Hypothesis
The Jyoti Sangh HIV prevention programme will be cost-effective in reducing HIV infections among commercial sex workers in Ahmedabad.
Conclusion
The study demonstrated that targeted interventions for commercial sex workers in India can be cost-effective and should be replicated in similar settings.
Supporting Evidence
- The intervention averted 624 HIV cases among CSWs and 5,131 among their clients.
- There was a 54% decrease in HIV infections among CSWs due to the intervention.
- The cost per HIV infection averted was estimated at USD 59 to USD 98.
Takeaway
This study shows that helping sex workers in India to use condoms and get treated for STIs can save a lot of lives and money.
Methodology
A dynamic mathematical model was used to estimate the HIV impact and cost-effectiveness of the intervention over 51 months.
Potential Biases
Recall bias may have affected the accuracy of self-reported data on sexual behavior.
Limitations
The model did not account for HIV transmission to other partners outside the client-sex worker relationships.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on commercial sex workers in Ahmedabad, with an estimated population of 4,000.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 8.4–15.9%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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