Cost-benefit analysis of a Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis prevention programme in The Philippines.
BACKGROUND
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) meningitis is associated with high mortality and serious sequelae in children under 5 years of age. Vaccines which can prevent this infection are available.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the costs and benefits of a 3-dose immunisation schedule in Manila, Philippines.


CONCLUSIONS
Government and societal perspectives.


METHODS
A cost-benefit analysis based on a birth cohort of 100,000 children. The state of health of the cohort with and without a Hib immunisation programme was modelled over a 5-year period. A survey of medical records of patients with Hib in Manila provided data on the extent and cost of sequelae following infection.


METHODS
A 3-dose Hib vaccination programme given at ages 2, 3 and 4 months.


RESULTS
The model predicted that vaccinating children against Hib meningitis would prevent 553 cases per year in a birth cohort of 100,000, at a cost of 56,200 Philippine pesos (PHP) [$US1,605; 1998 exchange rate] per case (base case assumptions of 90% vaccine efficacy rate, 95 per 100,000 Hib incidence rate, 85% vaccination coverage). Results from the cost-benefit analyses indicated that the saving to the government would be around PHP39 million ($US1.11 million), and the saving to society would be PHP255 million ($US7.28 million).


CONCLUSIONS
There would be a positive economic benefit for the Philippine government and for the Filipino society if a Hib vaccination programme was introduced in Manila.
Limcangco
M R
MR
Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of the Philippines, Manila.
Armour
C L
CL
Salole
E G
EG
Taylor
S J
SJ
D000465:Algorithms; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D018073:Haemophilus Vaccines; D006801:Humans; D007115:Immunization Schedule; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D008583:Meningitis, Haemophilus / Q000191:economics* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010679:Philippines / Q000453:epidemiology
D018073:Haemophilus Vaccines