Cost-Effectiveness of Male Circumcision for HIV Prevention in South Africa
Author Information
Author(s): Kahn James G, Marseille Elliot, Auvert Bertran
Primary Institution: Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco
Hypothesis
Is male circumcision a cost-effective intervention for reducing HIV transmission in sub-Saharan Africa?
Conclusion
Male circumcision is likely to be a cost-effective strategy for HIV prevention in sub-Saharan Africa, generating significant net savings.
Supporting Evidence
- Male circumcision can avert a significant number of HIV infections.
- The cost per HIV infection averted is estimated at $181.
- Net savings from circumcision are projected to be $2.4 million for 1,000 procedures.
- Cost-effectiveness improves with higher HIV prevalence.
- Risk compensation may reduce the effectiveness of circumcision.
- Acceptability of circumcision is high in various African settings.
- Male circumcision is a one-time intervention with lasting benefits.
- Further trials are needed to confirm the generalizability of these findings.
Takeaway
Getting circumcised can help prevent HIV and save money on healthcare costs in South Africa.
Methodology
Cost-effectiveness analysis modeled for 1,000 circumcisions based on a randomized controlled trial.
Potential Biases
Potential risk compensation behaviors may affect the effectiveness of circumcision.
Limitations
The analysis relies on data from a single trial and may not generalize to all populations.
Participant Demographics
Adult males in the general population of Gauteng Province, South Africa.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Confidence Interval
80% CI $189–$428
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website