Determining a cost effective intervention response to HIV/AIDS in Peru

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Health Economics

Background:

• The HIV epidemic in Peru is concentrated, with highest infection rates among men who have sex with men.
• Lower rates are observed in female sex workers and the general population.
• Sustaining universal treatment access requires effective HIV prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the impact of specific prevention and care strategies on Peruvian health.
• To reshape the national HIV response through evidence-based interventions.
• To assess the cost-effectiveness of various HIV/AIDS interventions in Peru.

Main Methods:

• Estimated HIV/AIDS prevalence in at-risk groups using sentinel surveillance data.
• Calculated unit costs for interventions including mass media, counseling, testing, condom provision, and STI treatment.
• Modeled the ability of interventions to reduce transmission rates, quantified by cost per DALY averted.

Main Results:

• Men who have sex with men exhibit the highest HIV prevalence in Peru.
• Intervention cost-effectiveness varied significantly, from $US 55 for peer education of female sex workers to $US 5,928 for mother-to-child transmission prevention per DALY averted.

Conclusions:

• This study provides evidence for prioritizing interventions in Peru's HIV response.
• Cost-effectiveness analysis is essential for transparent priority setting, especially with increased funding.
• Findings will guide the amplification of new interventions, partly funded by the GFATM.