The economics of vector control strategies for controlling tropical diseases

This paper describes the techniques of economic evaluation and how they can help improve the efficiency of vector control strategies for controlling tropical diseases. The differences among the techniques are clarified, and the main components of each analytical approach are presented, as well as some of the major problems in their application. The historic evolution of the application of economics to vector control in developing countries is summarized, before analyzing some more recent studies that have explored some of the choices concerning vector control. The paper concludes with some recommendations for improving the quality and, therefore, the usefulness of studies.