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Economic burden of neonatal sepsis in sub-Saharan Africa

Sylvia L Ranjeva1,2, Benjamin C Warf3,4, Steven J Schiff2,5

  • 1Medical Scientist Training Program, Pritzker School of Medicine, and Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.

BMJ Global Health
|March 23, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Neonatal sepsis in sub-Saharan Africa causes millions of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost annually. This study estimates the economic burden of neonatal infections in the region, highlighting the need for improved prevention and treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Global Health
  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Neonatal infections are a major cause of preventable deaths in newborns, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
  • Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 for child health requires reducing neonatal mortality from infections in developing nations.
  • Accurate data on the incidence and causes of neonatal sepsis in SSA are lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To estimate the economic burden of neonatal sepsis in sub-Saharan Africa.
  • To quantify the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost due to neonatal sepsis in SSA.
  • To underscore the impact of neonatal infections on public health and the economy in SSA.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from global health agencies and medical literature to assess population demographics, incidence, and disease burden of neonatal sepsis in SSA.
  • Calculated disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) associated with neonatal sepsis treatment and prevention.
  • Employed the value of a statistical life (VSL) methodology to estimate the economic burden of untreated neonatal sepsis.

Main Results:

  • Neonatal sepsis results in an estimated annual loss of 5.29–8.73 million DALYs in SSA.
  • The estimated annual economic burden ranges from $10 billion to $469 billion, based on VSL.
  • These findings represent a conservative estimate of the true burden.

Conclusions:

  • Neonatal sepsis imposes a significant public health and economic burden on SSA.
  • More effective treatment and prevention strategies could substantially reduce mortality and morbidity.
  • Increased investment is crucial for characterizing, diagnosing, preventing, and managing neonatal sepsis and its long-term effects in SSA.
Abstract

Keywords:
africaeconomicglobal burden of diseaseneonatal sepsis

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