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Cost-benefit analysis of a Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis prevention programme in The Philippines
M R Limcangco1, C L Armour, E G Salole
1Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of the Philippines, Manila.
Insights
Introducing a Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine program in Manila offers significant economic benefits. This vaccination strategy is cost-effective for both the government and society, preventing numerous cases of Hib meningitis.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Health Economics
Background:
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) meningitis causes high mortality and severe sequelae in children under five.
- Effective vaccines are available to prevent Hib infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cost-benefit of a 3-dose Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccination schedule in Manila, Philippines.
- To assess the economic impact from governmental and societal perspectives.
Main Methods:
- A cost-benefit analysis was conducted using a simulated birth cohort of 100,000 children over a 5-year period.
- Health outcomes with and without a Hib immunization program were modeled.
- Data on the extent and cost of Hib sequelae were gathered from medical records in Manila.
Main Results:
- The model predicted 553 fewer Hib meningitis cases annually per 100,000 children with vaccination.
- The cost per prevented case was estimated at PHP 56,200.
- Vaccination yielded substantial savings: PHP 39 million for the government and PHP 255 million for society.
Conclusions:
- Implementing a Hib vaccination program in Manila presents a positive economic return.
- The findings support the introduction of a Hib immunization program for significant public health and economic advantages.
Background:
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) meningitis is associated with high mortality and serious sequelae in children under 5 years of age. Vaccines which can prevent this infection are available.
Objective:
To evaluate the costs and benefits of a 3-dose immunisation schedule in Manila, Philippines.
Perspective:
Government and societal perspectives.
Design And Participants:
A cost-benefit analysis based on a birth cohort of 100,000 children. The state of health of the cohort with and without a Hib immunisation programme was modelled over a 5-year period. A survey of medical records of patients with Hib in Manila provided data on the extent and cost of sequelae following infection.
Intervention:
A 3-dose Hib vaccination programme given at ages 2, 3 and 4 months.
Results:
The model predicted that vaccinating children against Hib meningitis would prevent 553 cases per year in a birth cohort of 100,000, at a cost of 56,200 Philippine pesos (PHP) [$US1,605; 1998 exchange rate] per case (base case assumptions of 90% vaccine efficacy rate, 95 per 100,000 Hib incidence rate, 85% vaccination coverage). Results from the cost-benefit analyses indicated that the saving to the government would be around PHP39 million ($US1.11 million), and the saving to society would be PHP255 million ($US7.28 million).
Conclusion:
There would be a positive economic benefit for the Philippine government and for the Filipino society if a Hib vaccination programme was introduced in Manila.
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