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A framework for identifying cost efficiencies in malaria routine data quality audits: methodology and application in
An Nguyen1, Prudence Malama2, Christopher Lungu2
1PATH, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. altnguyen@path.org.
Malaria Journal
|April 22, 2026
Summary
A new framework identifies significant cost efficiencies in routine data quality audits (RDQA) for malaria programs. Implementing optimized scenarios and digital tools can reduce RDQA costs by up to 41% and 52% respectively.
Area of Science:
- Health Economics
- Public Health Interventions
- Malaria Control
Background:
- Routine Data Quality Audits (RDQA) are essential for malaria program data reliability but resource-intensive.
- A collaborative effort developed a framework to identify cost efficiencies in RDQA processes.
- A case study using previously collected RDQA data from Zambia demonstrated the framework's application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and demonstrate a systematic framework for identifying cost efficiencies in malaria Routine Data Quality Audits (RDQA).
- To analyze cost drivers and develop optimized scenarios for RDQA interventions in Zambia.
- To evaluate the cost-efficiency of proposed resource-optimized scenarios.
Main Methods:
- A four-stage framework was developed using health economic evaluation and micro-costing principles.
- Costing analysis estimated financial and economic costs across all RDQA phases.
- Comparative analysis identified cost drivers, and resource-optimized scenarios were developed using lowest-cost practices.
- Cost-efficiency was evaluated using incremental cost per additional health facility catchment area (HFCA) audited.
Main Results:
- The average economic cost per RDQA intervention was estimated at $24,938 ($205 per HFCA).
- Personnel (64%) and transportation (25%) were identified as primary cost drivers.
- Optimized scenarios (virtual meetings, streamlined teams, harmonized allowances) reduced total costs by 41%.
- Transitioning to digital RDQA tools projected potential savings of up to 52%.
Conclusions:
- The structured four-stage framework offers a practical methodology for enhancing RDQA cost efficiencies.
- The findings have significant implications for malaria program policy, funding, and implementation, optimizing resource utilization.
- The approach is adaptable to other disease-specific interventions and supportive supervision activities, promoting sustainable health programs.
