Cost-effectiveness of immunization in The Gambia

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Economics
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Childhood morbidity and mortality remain significant challenges in developing countries.
• Immunization is a cornerstone of child survival strategies.
• Understanding the economic impact of immunization is crucial for resource allocation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the cost-effectiveness of preventing childhood diseases and deaths through immunization in The Gambia.
• To identify the most cost-effective vaccines for priority diseases.

Main Methods:

• Cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted.
• Data were collected on the costs associated with immunization programs.
• Calculations were performed for costs per case prevented and per death prevented for key diseases.

Main Results:

• Costs per case prevented varied significantly, from $1.30 for pertussis to $655.54 for poliomyelitis.
• Immunization against measles ($40.83/death prevented), pertussis ($99.85/death prevented), and neonatal tetanus ($152.53/death prevented) were the most cost-effective interventions for preventing child mortality.
• Overall, immunization represents an efficient allocation of scarce health sector resources.

Conclusions:

• Immunization programs are a highly cost-effective public health intervention in The Gambia.
• Targeting measles, pertussis, and neonatal tetanus vaccines offers substantial economic benefits in reducing child mortality.
• Investing in immunization is a sound strategy for developing countries aiming to improve child survival rates.