Cost-effectiveness of a community-based approach intertwined with a vertical Aedes control program

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Environmental Management
• Vector-Borne Disease Control

Background:

• Routine vertical Aedes control methods are standard for managing mosquito populations.
• The cost-effectiveness of integrated community-based environmental management alongside vertical control requires evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the cost-effectiveness of integrated community-based environmental management with routine vertical Aedes control versus routine control alone.
• To assess the impact on Aedes infestation levels and economic costs over a 5-year period.

Main Methods:

• A 5-year intervention study comparing two approaches: community-based environmental management plus routine vertical control, and routine vertical control only.
• Baseline and follow-up data collection on Aedes house indices and economic costs for vector control.

Main Results:

• The integrated approach reduced Aedes house indices from 2.23% to 0.22%, while the control group saw an increase from 2.21% to 2.36%.
• Societal cost per reduced Aedes focus was significantly lower in intervention areas (US$831.1) compared to control areas (US$2,465.6).
• Community costs increased in intervention areas but remained a smaller proportion of total costs compared to the control group.

Conclusions:

• Community-based environmental management integrated with routine vertical Aedes control is a highly cost-effective strategy.
• This integrated approach yields sustained economic savings and public health benefits.
• Environmental management interventions are crucial for efficient and sustainable vector control programs.