Cost of mass drug administration for filiriasis elimination in the province of Sorsogon, Philippines

OBJECTIVE: Elimination eforts for lymphatic flariasis are underway in the Philippines using mass drug administration (MDA) of diethylcarbamazine and albendazole as one of the main strategies. This cost analysis was done to determine the MDA implementation cost and provide useful information to the control programme on how to best utilize limited resources. METHODS: This cost analysis study was conducted in the province of Sorsogon, Philippines in 2004. The study was done from a program perspective. Cost data for 2003 was obtained retrospectively via key informant interviews and records review using a standardized guide from a multi-country cost analysis study of flariasis elimination programs. Cost fgures were classifed as either economic or fnancial costs and expressed in real terms using 2002 as base year. Sensitivity analysis was likewise performed. RESULTS: The total economic cost and cost per person treated with MDA were estimated at US$223,549.55 (Php12,116,385.48) and US$0.40, respectively. The fnancial costs were less than half of the economic costs. The main cost driver was drug distribution. The highest economic and fnancial costs were incurred at the national (54.5%) and municipal (74.4%) levels, respectively. High variation in costs of MDA activities was observed. CONCLUSION: This cost analysis provides reasonable estimates which may be used to assist government and other stakeholders in program planning and resource generation for flariasis elimination programs in endemic areas.

The accessibility and utilization of mobile phones among TB patients: A feasibility survey for short messaging service (SMS) as a strategy to improve adherence to TB services

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the proportion of TB patients who have access to mobile phones and to describe mobile phone utilization practices of TB patients. METHODS: Six public and six private TB clinics representing the four districts of Metro Manila and one institution in Cavite were purposively selected for this cross-sectional survey conducted in 2006. Using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, patients suspected to have TB, those newly diagnosed and those currently on treatment under either DOTS or non-DOTS were interviewed. RESULTS: Of the 337 patients interviewed, 65% (95% CI 60.2 to 70.6) have access to mobile phones (45% currently own a mobile phone and 20% share a mobile phone with a household member). The mean duration of ownership was 1.8 years (SD1.7). Almost all had prepaid subscriptions (99%) and 72% had some credit/load in their mobile phones at the time of interview. Of the three existing networks, subscription to SMART was highest, followed by the Globe network. Most of them use their phones for social purposes and emergency-related communications. Most of the respondents were male (60%) in the age group of 20-39 (54%) and 40-59 years old (33%). Half of the respondents were from public TB clinics (52%). On multivariable analysis, patients consulting in private clinics [OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.36 to 3.74], belonging to the younger age of CONCLUSION: Considering the fair access (65%) to mobile phones of the patients interviewed, it is feasible to conduct a pilot intervention using SMS as a strategy to improve adherence to treatment. The intervention should consider that majority use prepaid subscriptions and that sharing of phones among household members is a common practice.