Cost-effectiveness of using HAART in prevention of mother-to-child transmission in the DREAM-Project Malawi.

INTRODUCTION: Cost-effectiveness analysis are crucial in the management of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, particularly in resource-limited settings. Such analyses have not been performed in the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT).
OBJECTIVE: Cost-effectiveness analysis of HAART approach in Malawi for PMTCT.
METHODS: In 2 health centres in Malawi 6500 pregnant women were tested; 1118 pregnant women completed the entire Drug Resource Enhancement against Aids and Malnutrition-Project Malawi (DREAM - PM) PMTCT protocol. The costs of the intervention were calculated using the ingredients method. Outcomes estimated were cost for infection averted and cost for DALY saved compared with no intervention.
RESULTS: From a private perspective cost for HIV infection averted was US $998 and cost per DALY saved was US $35.36. From a public perspective, the result became negative as follows: -261 and -16.55, respectively (lower cost than the cost of the therapy for an HIV+ child). The univariate sensitivity analysis showed that the cost for DALY saved always remained under the threshold of US $50, largely under the threshold given by the per capita yearly income in Malawi (US $667 PPD).
CONCLUSIONS: Administration of HAART in a PMTCT programme in resource-limited settings is cost-effective. Drugs and laboratory tests are the most significant costs, but further reduction of these expenses is possible.