Cost effectiveness analysis of reduction of schistosomiasis haematobium morbidity-using different screening and therapeutic interventions

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted on 16 small villages around Assiut City, Middle Egypt. A total number of 11962 subjects living in 1279 houses were examined. The villages were divided into four matched groups. Urinary bladder morbidity [UBM] was quantitated by ultrasound [US] using the previously suggested score. Every household was visited once annually [in November through July] for three consecutive years. Cost-effectiveness ratios were computed for each of the study options [as a ratio between costs and effectiveness of each alternative]. There was a significant reduction in UB morbidity score in total cases covered in the study and in all study options. On the other hand, there were no significant changes in the control group. The study option of total coverage was the most cost effective method of reduction UB morbidity, followed by the option of school age group. Chemotherapy alone may not be enough for the control of Schistosomiasis. The results can be valuable for health planners