[Cost-effectiveness of methadone maintenance centers to prevent HIV among intravenous drug users]

Objective [s]: The rising of risky injections has caused HIV infections epidemics among Intravenous Drug Users [IDUs]. So, high costs of HIV/AIDS care and low financial resources necessitate economic evaluation to choose the best decision to control HIV/AIDS. This study was conducted to determine cost-effectiveness of Methadone Maintenance Treatment [MMT] centers to prevent HIV infections among IDUs

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Methods: In this study, we selected all seven MMT centers and their IDUs [n = 259]. We calculated all costs from government perspective. Mathematical models were used to estimate number of HIV cases averted from risky injecting behaviors changes

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Results: Total cost of MMT centers was 204297.7 dollar and cost of HIV/AIDS care in no intervention scenario, was estimated 13942756.8 dollar. ICER was 109035.3 dollar per HIV case averted based on an estimated 126 HIV case averted. The results of the sensitivity analysis indicated that MMT intervention is cost-effective even in worst scenario and ICER varies from 39149.42 dollar to 290004.1 dollar per HIV case averted

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Conclusion: Considering to high effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of MMT centers, it is necessary to develop these centers in regional and national levels to cover the high risk people more