Cervical cancer screening and treatment costing in Senegal.

Introduction: in Senegal, cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancers among women. This study estimated the costs associated with cervical cancer screening and treatment for precancerous lesions from the health system perspective. Methods: we estimated costs for screening, diagnostics, and treatment. We conducted a cross-sectional study in seven regions with primary data collected from 50 health facilities. Data collection included structured questionnaires, with secondary data from the Ministry of Health and other sources. A mixed-methods approach combined ingredients-based costing and financial expenditures to estimate direct medical and non-medical costs. All costs are reported in 2019 USD. Results: average costs were $3.71 for visual inspection with acetic acid, $16.49 for Pap smear, and $46.65 for human papillomavirus deoxyribonucleic acid (HPV DNA) testing. Screening cost drivers were clinical exam supplies and clinical equipment for visual inspection with acetic acid, offsite processing of specimens for Pap smear, and lab equipment costs for HPV DNA procedure. The average cost of diagnosis via colposcopy alone was $25.73, and colposcopy with biopsy/endocervical curettage was $74.96. The average cost of treatment followed by one visit for pre-cancerous lesions was $195.24 for loop electrosurgical excision, $47.35 for cryotherapy, and $32.35 for thermal ablation. Clinical equipment and lab costs were the largest contributors to colposcopy and endocervical curettage/biopsy expenses. Clinical equipment made up the largest portion of cryotherapy, loop electrosurgical excision, and thermoablation costs. Conclusion: this study is the first to estimate the costs of HPV screening and treatment in Senegal, which can be used to inform decision-making on cervical cancer investments.

Cost and operational context for national human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine delivery in six low- and middle-income countries.

INTRODUCTION: There are concerns from immunization program planners about high delivery costs for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Most prior research evaluated costs of HPV vaccine delivery during demonstration projects or at introduction, showing relatively high costs, which may not reflect the costs beyond the pilot or introduction years. This study sought to understand the operational context and estimate delivery costs for HPV vaccine in six national programs, beyond their introduction years. METHODS: Operational research and microcosting methods were used to retrospectively collect primary data on HPV vaccination program activities in Ethiopia, Guyana, Rwanda, Senegal, Sri Lanka, and Uganda. Data were collected from the national level and a sample of subnational administrative offices and health facilities. Operational data collected were tabulated as percentages and frequencies. Financial costs (monetary outlays) and economic costs (financial plus opportunity costs) were estimated, as was the cost per HPV vaccine dose delivered. Costing was done from the health system perspective and reported in 2019 United States dollars (US$). RESULTS: Across the study countries, between 53 % and 99 % of HPV vaccination sessions were conducted in schools. Differences were observed in intensity and frequency with which program activities were conducted and resources used. Mean annual economic costs at health facilities in each country ranged from $1,207 to $3,190, while at the national level these ranged from $7,657 to $304,278. Mean annual HPV vaccine doses delivered per health facility in each country ranged from 162 to 761. Mean financial costs per dose per study country ranged from $0.27 to $3.32, while the economic cost per dose ranged from $3.09 to $17.20. CONCLUSION: HPV vaccine delivery costs were lower than at introduction in some study countries. There were differences in the activities carried out for HPV vaccine delivery and the number of doses delivered, impacting the cost estimates.

Estimated impact and cost-effectiveness of rotavirus vaccination in Senegal: A country-led analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Rotavirus is the leading cause of acute severe diarrhea among children under 5 globally and one of the leading causes of death attributable to diarrhea. Among African children hospitalized with diarrhea, 38% of the cases are due to rotavirus. In Senegal, rotavirus deaths are estimated to represent 5.4% of all deaths among children under 5. Along with the substantial disease burden, there is a growing awareness of the economic burden created by diarrheal disease. This analysis aims to provide policymakers with more consistent and reliable economic evidence to support the decision-making process about the introduction and maintenance of a rotavirus vaccine program. METHODS: The study was conducted using the processes and tools first established by the Pan American Health Organization's ProVac Initiative in the Latin American region. TRIVAC version 2.0, an Excel-based model, was used to perform the analysis. The costs and health outcomes were calculated for 20 successive birth cohorts (2014-2033). Model inputs were gathered from local, national, and international sources with the guidance of a Senegalese group of experts including local pediatricians, personnel from the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization, as well as disease-surveillance and laboratory specialists. RESULTS: The cost per disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) averted, discounted at 3%, is US$ 92 from the health care provider perspective and US$ 73 from the societal perspective. For the 20 cohorts, the vaccine is projected to prevent more than 2 million cases of rotavirus and to avert more than 8500 deaths. The proportion of rotavirus deaths averted is estimated to be 42%. For 20 cohorts, the discounted net costs of the program were estimated to be US$ 17.6 million from the healthcare provider perspective and US$ 13.8 million from the societal perspective. CONCLUSION: From both perspectives, introducing the rotavirus vaccine is highly cost-effective compared to no vaccination. The results are consistent with those found in many African countries. The ProVac process and tools contributed to a collaborative, country-led process in Senegal that provides a platform for gathering and reporting evidence for vaccine decision-making.

HIV type 1 subtype C remains the predominant subtype in men having sex with men in Senegal.

HIV-1 epidemics are expanding among men who have sex with men in low- and middle-income countries. To confirm and further explore preliminary data in Senegal, we aimed to determine 3 years after a first study the HIV-1 genetic diversity in three different viral regions. From 109 samples available in 2007, 93 were sequenced in gag, 77 in env, and 60 in pol. Phylogenetic analysis showed that subtype C predominated (38-52%), followed by CRF02_AG (30-40%), subtype B (13-17%), and CRF09_cpx (2.6-5%). Subsubtype A3 and strains tightly linked to CRF43_02G were identified in env and gag, respectively, and 12% of the samples were unique recombinants. Six transmission chains involving two to seven individuals were identified. Some strains carried resistance mutations inside transmission chains. This study confirmed the existence of a dual epidemic in Senegal and emphasized the need to strengthen prevention programs to avoid strains intermixing between low-risk women and high-risk men.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) and factors associated with not using a condom at last sexual intercourse with a man and with a woman in Senegal.

BACKGROUND: Men who have sex with other men (MSM) are a vulnerable population in Africa that has been insufficiently explored. Given the high rate of bisexuality among MSM (73% in the past year), it is important to understand their risk-taking behaviors regarding both men and women. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A socio-behavioral survey was carried out in 2007 among 501 MSM recruited using the snowball sampling method. We explore in this article why a condom was not used during last sexual intercourse with a man and with a woman, taking into account the respondent's characteristics, type of relationship and the context of the sexual act. In the survey, 489 men reported that they had had sexual intercourse at least once with another man during the previous year, and 358 with a man and with a woman. The main risk factors for not using a condom at last sexual intercourse with another man were having sex in a public place (aOR = 6.26 [95%CI: 2.71-14.46]), non-participation in an MSM prevention program (aOR = 3.47 [95%CI: 2.12-5.69]), a 19 years old or younger partner (aOR = 2.6 [95%CI: 1.23-4.53]), being 24 years or younger (aOR = 2.07 [95%CI: 1.20-3.58]) or being 35 years or over (aOR = 3.08 [95%CI:1.11-8.53]) and being unemployed (aOR = 0.36 [95%CI: 0.10-1.25]). The last sexual intercourse with the respondent's wife was hardly ever protected (2%). With women, the other factors were a 15 years or younger partner (aOR = 6.45 [95%CI: 2.56-16.28]), being educated (primary: aOR = 0.45 [95%CI: 0.21-0.95], secondary or higher: aOR = 0.26 [95%CI: 0.11-0.62]), being a student (aOR = 2.20 [95%CI: 1.07-4.54]) or unemployed (aOR = 3.72 [95%CI: 1.31-10.61]) and having participated in a MSM prevention program (aOR = 0.57 [95%CI: 0.34-0.93]). CONCLUSION: Having participated in a prevention program specifically targeting MSM constitutes a major prevention factor. However, these programs targeting MSM must address their heterosexual practices and the specific risks involved.

Reduction in risk-taking behaviors among MSM in Senegal between 2004 and 2007 and prevalence of HIV and other STIs. ELIHoS Project, ANRS 12139.

An epidemiological survey conducted in Senegal in 2004 among men having sex with men (MSM) revealed high HIV prevalence and a high rate of risky behaviors within this population. Consequently, several prevention campaigns targeting MSM were implemented. A second survey was carried out in 2007 to assess the impact of these measures. This paper aims to examine trends in HIV and STI prevalence and in sexual behaviors between 2004 and 2007. The two surveys were conducted in four urban sites among 440 and 501 MSM--recruited using the snowball sampling method--in 2004 and 2007, respectively. A similar methodology was applied for both surveys. This consisted of a closed-ended questionnaire concerning socio-demographic, behavioral, and biomedical information plus a clinical examination including urine and blood tests to detect STIs and HIV infection. Between 2004 and 2007, the frequency of different sexual practices reported by MSM remained stable, but condom use for each type of sexual practice rose. The percentage of men who reported consistent condom use during previous-month anal sex has increased by about 35% (p<0.01). The percentage of men who reported consistent condom use during previous-month non-commercial sex with women has increased by 14% (p<0.01). HIV prevalence remained stable from 22.4% [95% CI: 18.6-26.8] in 2004 to 21.8% [95% CI: 18.3-25.7] in 2007 (adjusted OR = 1.05, p=0.8). Gonorrhea prevalence decreased from 5.5% [95% CI: 3.6-8.3] in 2004 to 2.6% [95% CI: 1.5-4.5] in 2007 (adjusted OR=0.5, p=0.07). The prevention campaigns, STI and HIV care and support programs conducted in Senegal among MSM have been followed by a reduction of risk-taking behaviors and STI prevalence among this population. Specific targeting of this group within HIV/STI prevention programs seems to be effective in decreasing sexual infections.

HIV infection and sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men in Senegal.

BACKGROUND: No epidemiological study has been conducted on HIV and vulnerability to sexually transmitted diseases (STI) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in sub-Saharan Africa. METHOD: A survey including questionnaire, physical examination and detection of HIV and STI was carried out among 463 MSM, aged 18-52 years, recruited through the snowball technique in five urban sites throughout Senegal. RESULTS: A total of 21.5% of men were found to be infected with HIV [95% confidence interval (CI), 17.8-25.6]. Active syphilis, positive serology for herpes simplex virus (HSV)-2, and polymerase chain reaction detection in urine of Chlamydia and gonorrhea infections were recorded in 4.8, 22.3, 4.1 and 5.4% of participants, respectively. Most respondents reported sex with women (94.1%). In the month preceding the interview, 24% reported at least one unprotected insertive anal intercourse with a male partner, 20% at least one unprotected receptive anal intercourse, and 18% at least one unprotected intercourse with a female partner. Genital examination showed that 5% of participants had at least one clinical sign of STI. Factors associated with HIV infection were age group, the reporting of more than nine lifetime male partners [odds ratio (OR), 3.76; 95% CI, 1.61-8.79], being a waiter or bartender (OR, 3.33; 95% CI, 1.41-7.84), and living in Dakar (OR, 3.33; 95% CI, 1.07-3.43). CONCLUSION: Men who have sex with men in Senegal are highly infected with HIV and other STI. Intervention programs targeting this population are urgently needed, given their particular vulnerability and because infections are likely to disseminate into the general population given the high proportion of bisexual activity in this community.