Yale University

Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis: a case study in Tanzania.

TitleEvaluating the cost-effectiveness of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis: a case study in Tanzania.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2009
AuthorsShim, Eunha, Katie Hampson, Sarah Cleaveland, and Alison P. Galvani
JournalVaccine
Volume27
Issue51
Pagination7167-72
Date Published2009 Nov 27
ISSN1873-2518
KeywordsAnimals, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Humans, Models, Economic, Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, Quality-Adjusted Life Years, Rabies, Rabies Vaccines, Tanzania
AbstractAlthough fatal if untreated, human rabies can be prevented through post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which involves a course of vaccination and immunoglobulin administered immediately after exposure. However, high costs and frequent lack of rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin lead to about 55,000 deaths per year worldwide. Using data from a detailed study of rabies in Tanzania, we calculate a cost-effectiveness ratio for PEP when the WHO-recommended Essen regimen, a 5-dose intramuscular vaccination schedule, is adopted. Our analyses indicate a cost-effectiveness ratio for PEP of $27/quality-adjusted life year (QALY) from a health care perspective and $32/QALY from a societal perspective in Tanzania. From both perspectives, it is "very cost-effective" to administer PEP to patients bitten by an animal suspected to be rabid. Moreover, PEP remains "very cost-effective" provided that at least 1% of doses are administered to people who were actually exposed to rabies.
DOI10.1002/hpm.1029
Alternate JournalVaccine

External Links