Economic Returns to Investment in AIDS Treatment
Author Information
Author(s): Stephen Resch, Eline Korenromp, John Stover, Matthew Blakley, Carleigh Krubiner, Kira Thorien, Robert Hecht, Rifat Atun
Primary Institution: Harvard School of Public Health, Center for Health Decision Science
Hypothesis
What are the health and economic gains from investments in AIDS treatment in low and middle-income countries?
Conclusion
Investments in AIDS treatment are expected to save millions of life-years and generate significant economic benefits that exceed program costs.
Supporting Evidence
- The study estimates that $14.2 billion is needed to maintain the ART cohort from 2011 to 2020.
- ART is expected to save 18.5 million life-years.
- The economic benefits of ART are projected to range from $12 to $34 billion.
- Under various assumptions, the monetary benefits could offset 81% to 287% of program costs.
- Investments in ART yield substantial health gains and economic returns.
Takeaway
This study shows that spending money on AIDS treatment helps people live longer and healthier lives, and it can also save money in the long run.
Methodology
The study estimated program costs and compared them with economic benefits of ART for patients co-financed by the Global Fund.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in generalizing findings from specific countries to a broader context.
Limitations
The analysis relies on estimates and assumptions that may not apply uniformly across all countries.
Participant Demographics
The cohort consists of 3.5 million ART patients primarily in low and middle-income countries, with 80% in 20 African countries.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website