Impact on child mortality of removing user fees: simulation model

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Predicting the Effectiveness of Population Replacement Strategy Using Mathematical Modeling
20:36

Predicting the Effectiveness of Population Replacement Strategy Using Mathematical Modeling

Published on: July 4, 2007

Chris James1, Saul S Morris, Regina Keith

  • 1Save the Children UK, London EC1M 4AR. chrisjamesuk@hotmail.com

BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.)
|October 1, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Removing user fees in 20 African countries could prevent over 230,000 child deaths annually. This policy change is a cost-effective strategy to improve child survival and healthcare access.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Health Economics
  • Pediatric Mortality

Background:

  • User fees for healthcare services can be a significant barrier to access, particularly for vulnerable populations.
  • Child mortality remains a critical challenge in many African nations, necessitating effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify the potential impact of eliminating user fees on child mortality in 20 African countries.
  • To assess the feasibility of alternative financing mechanisms for healthcare.

Main Methods:

  • A simulation model was employed, integrating data on health interventions and their effect on child mortality.
  • Analysis focused on the relationship between user fee abolition and healthcare service utilization.

Main Results:

  • Eliminating user fees could avert an estimated 233,000 deaths annually in children under five across 20 African countries.
  • The estimated range for prevented deaths is 153,000 to 305,000 per year.

Conclusions:

  • Abolishing user fees, supported by alternative financing, is a cost-effective strategy to enhance healthcare access.
  • This policy shift is crucial for achieving the Millennium Development Goals for health, specifically reducing child mortality.
Abstract

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