Cost Analysis of School-Based Malaria Screening and Treatment in Kenya
Author Information
Author(s): Drake Thomas L, Okello George, Njagi Kiambo, Halliday Katherine E, Jukes Matthew CH, Mangham Lindsay, Brooker Simon
Primary Institution: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Hypothesis
What are the costs associated with intermittent screening and treatment of malaria in schools?
Conclusion
School-based intermittent screening and treatment is relatively expensive, but simplifying the delivery can lead to significant cost savings.
Supporting Evidence
- The financial cost of IST is estimated at US$ 6.61 per child screened.
- The economic cost is US$ 6.24 per child screened.
- Salaries and rapid diagnostic tests are the largest contributors to costs.
- Reducing the complexity of delivery can save up to 40% in costs.
- Almost half of the costs are from redeploying existing resources.
Takeaway
This study looks at how much it costs to check and treat kids for malaria in schools, and found that making the process simpler could save a lot of money.
Methodology
Financial and economic costs were estimated using an ingredients approach, with sensitivity analysis to identify cost-saving strategies.
Limitations
The intervention was designed for trial objectives, not maximizing cost-effectiveness, and only two classes per school were screened.
Participant Demographics
Children from 101 primary schools on the coast of Kenya.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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