Neglected tropical diseases: comparison of the costs of integrated and vertical preventive chemotherapy treatment in Niger.

BACKGROUND: This study presents evidence on the cost of integrated preventive chemotherapy treatment (PCT) to control trachoma, schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) in Niger. Integrated PCT costs are compared with the costs of vertical PCT control.

METHODS: Data were analysed for the integrated PCT of 2008 and 2009 in six districts. Receipts, treatment registers, coverage forms and drug registers provided cost and treatment information. Economic costs of the time spent on campaign activities by government staff was derived from a survey of 56 staff. Integrated control costs were compared with vertical programmes undertaken in 2005 using 2009 constant prices.

RESULTS: The average economic cost of integrated PCT was US$0.19/treatment excluding drugs (US$0.38 for a district with two drug treatments). The average financial cost was US$0.09/treatment (US$0.18 for a district with two drug treatments).The average financial cost of vertical treatment was US$0.167 for trachoma, US$0.10 for schistosomiasis and STH and US$0.075 for lymphatic filariasis. The integrated programme had savings of 16% and 21% in programme costs in 2008 and 2009, respectively, compared with the vertical programmes.

CONCLUSION: Further work is needed to forecast the effectiveness of alternative long-term integrated treatment strategies for control and/or elimination of neglected tropical diseases.