Routine hepatitis B immunisation in India: cost-effectiveness assessment

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Economics
• Immunization Programs

Background:

• Hepatitis B poses a significant public health burden globally and in India.
• Assessing the economic viability of public health interventions is crucial for resource allocation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of hepatitis B immunization as a public health intervention in India.
• To determine if hepatitis B vaccination aligns with World Bank guidelines for cost-effective health investments.

Main Methods:

• Analysis based on World Bank economic guidelines for health interventions.
• Calculation of cost per life year saved for hepatitis B immunization.

Main Results:

• Hepatitis B immunization is projected to save life years at a cost significantly lower than India's per-capita gross domestic product.
• The intervention meets established criteria for cost-effectiveness in public health.

Conclusions:

• Hepatitis B immunization represents an excellent and highly cost-effective public health investment for India.
• Implementing widespread hepatitis B vaccination is recommended as a priority health initiative.