Costs and financial feasibility of malaria elimination

Abstract

SummaryThe marginal costs and benefits of converting malaria programmes from a control to an elimination goal are central to strategic decisions, but empirical evidence is scarce. We present a conceptual framework to assess the economics of elimination and analyse a central component of that framework—potential short-term to medium-term financial savings. After a review that showed a dearth of existing evidence, the net present value of elimination in five sites was calculated and compared with effective control. The probability that elimination would be cost-saving over 50 years ranged from 0% to 42%, with only one site achieving cost-savings in the base case. These findings show that financial savings should not be a primary rationale for elimination, but that elimination might still be a worthy investment if total benefits are sufficient to outweigh marginal costs. Robust research into these elimination benefits is urgently needed.

A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Elimination in Hainan Province, 2002–2012

“…20 Malaria elimination is a valuable investment. 21 It is noteworthy that this study assessed only measurable benefits and did not analyze other potential benefits that may have been brought about by malaria elimination, such as improving the investment environment and stimulating tourism development. 20 Considering the potential benefits of malaria elimination, the profound significance of falciparum malaria eradication can hardly be measured in terms of monetary value.…”

The Bilateral Relationship Between Tourism and Dengue Occurrence: Evidence From Aruba

“…Vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria can induce epidemics, which could influence tourism demand. Some authors hypothesized that take-off benefits associated with the decision to eliminate vector-borne diseases such as malaria may manifest positively in foreign direct investments, including tourism growth (Sabot, Cohen, Hsiang, Kahn, Basu, Tang, ..., & Feachem, 2010). Except for the local burden induced by a vector-borne disease on a tourist destination, the disease can influence the tourist itself.…”

Malaria elimination: needs assessment and priorities for the future

“…According to Marsh [45] although thorough assessments of financial feasibility of the elimination process are critical, Oliver Sabot and colleagues [20] have indicated the huge evidence gap especially in estimating the marginal costs and the financial benefits on the long run and the threshold benefits which are difficult to assess. Sustained efforts to develop a feasibility assessment in a user-friendly form would be of great support to malaria program workers in countries that are pursuing elimination, and such assessments could guide policy makers in these countries in ways to move from control to elimination [9].…”