December 01, 2010
The Question
In examining potential short-term to medium-term financial savings, what are the marginal costs and benefits of converting malaria programmes from a control to an elimination goal?
What we found
This analysis shows that achieving and sustaining elimination will require substantial funding, and that some countries will need intensive support from the international community to achieve that goal. Financial savings should not form the rationale for embarking on malaria elimination campaigns, but benefits may still outweigh the costs.
Why it matters
Evidence on the costs and benefits of embarking on malaria elimination campaigns is scarce, yet it help determine malaria intervention strategies. Through comprehensive cost-benefit analysis and programmatic comparison, policymakers and healthcare providers will be better equipped to determine whether and how to pursue malaria elimination or alternative control measures.