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Echinococcosis in Tunisia: a cost analysis
Meghan M Majorowski1, Hélène Carabin, Mohamed Kilani
1Wellcome Trust Centre for the Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. meghan_majorowski@mckinsey.com
Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|February 15, 2005
Summary
Echinococcus granulosus infection causes significant annual losses in Tunisia, impacting both human and animal health. Quantifying these economic burdens is crucial for effective public health strategies and resource allocation.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Public Health
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Echinococcus granulosus infection is a significant zoonotic disease in Tunisia.
- The economic impact of echinococcosis on human and animal health requires comprehensive assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the direct and indirect economic losses associated with Echinococcus granulosus infection in Tunisia.
- To provide updated estimates based on improved methodologies for policy decision-making.
Main Methods:
- Developed itemized cost menus for human and animal health, and productivity losses.
- Utilized national and personal reports for incidence and prevalence data across species.
- Employed age-stratified rates, productivity loss calculations (including informal employment), and Monte Carlo sampling for uncertainty analysis.
Main Results:
- Echinococcosis results in substantial annual direct and indirect economic losses in Tunisia, estimated between US dollars 10-19 million.
- These losses represent a significant burden relative to Tunisia's gross domestic product.
Conclusions:
- Echinococcosis imposes considerable economic costs on Tunisia's human and animal populations.
- A cost-benefit analysis of control programs is recommended to guide resource allocation for endemic disease management.