Cost-Effectiveness of Malaria Treatment in Schools
Author Information
Author(s): Matilda Temperley, Dirk H. Mueller, Kiambo Njagi, Willis Akhwale, Siân E. Clarke, Matthew C. H. Jukes, Benson A. Estambale, Simon Brooker
Primary Institution: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Hypothesis
Is intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) delivered by teachers in schools a cost-effective intervention for malaria control in western Kenya?
Conclusion
IPT administered by teachers is a cost-effective school-based malaria intervention that should be explored in other settings.
Supporting Evidence
- The cost per child treated per year was estimated at US$ 1.88.
- The cost per case of anaemia averted was US$ 29.84.
- The cost-effectiveness ratios were US$ 12.53 and 7.52 in settings with 30% and 50% anaemia prevalence, respectively.
- IPT reduced the proportion of anaemic children by 50% and the prevalence of P. falciparum parasitaemia by 88%.
Takeaway
This study shows that giving malaria treatment to school kids by their teachers is a smart way to help them stay healthy without spending too much money.
Methodology
Cost data were collected from records and interviews, and effectiveness was derived from a cluster-randomised-controlled trial.
Limitations
The effectiveness estimates are based on a trial setting, which may not reflect real-world programmatic delivery.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 5–18 years in Bondo District, western Kenya.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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