10 Nov Cost-Effectiveness of PCV in Low and Middle-Income Countries
In a paper published November 9, 2011 in the journal International Health, research led by Dr. Anushua Sinha estimates that two pneumococcal vaccines being introduced in the world’s poorest countries with support from the GAVI Alliance could save the lives of 3 to 4 million children over the next 10 years, and indicate that the vaccines are a highly cost-effective investment for developing countries. With GAVI’s support, 15 of the world’s poorest countries have introduced the newest-generation vaccines that protect against pneumococcal disease. Nearly 60 countries are expected to introduce this vaccine by 2015.
“Policy-makers increasingly rely on cost-effectiveness analysis, in addition to clinical effectiveness, when considering the introduction of new childhood vaccines. A previous analysis determined vaccination of infants with 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) to be highly cost effective in preventing child mortality in countries eligible for financial support from the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI). We aimed to update this analysis by incorporating recent data on global disease burden, indirect effects and higher valency vaccines.”
In a separate paper, published in the same issue of the journal, the researchers also examined the economic impact of PCV in middle-income countries. Their findings indicate that “Vaccination would be cost effective for 72 countries with the 7-valent vaccine and for all countries with the 10- or 13-valent vaccines. The economic case for vaccination is compelling for middle-income countries.”
More about the research can be found at International Health.