1
|
Ahmed N, Ong JJ, McGee K, d'Elbée M, Johnson C, Cambiano V, Hatzold K, Corbett EL, Terris-Prestholt F, Maheswaran H. Costs of HIV testing services in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic literature review. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 22:980. [PMID: 39192180 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09770-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review HIV testing services (HTS) costs in sub-Saharan Africa. DESIGN A systematic literature review of studies published from January 2006 to October 2020. METHODS We searched ten electronic databases for studies that reported estimates for cost per person tested ($pptested) and cost per HIV-positive person identified ($ppositive) in sub-Saharan Africa. We explored variations in incremental cost estimates by testing modality (health facility-based, home-based, mobile-service, self-testing, campaign-style, and stand-alone), by primary or secondary/index HTS, and by population (general population, people living with HIV, antenatal care male partner, antenatal care/postnatal women and key populations). All costs are presented in 2019US$. RESULTS Sixty-five studies reported 167 cost estimates. Most reported only $pptested (90%), while (10%) reported the $ppositive. Costs were highly skewed. The lowest mean $pptested was self-testing at $12.75 (median = $11.50); primary testing at $16.63 (median = $10.68); in the general population, $14.06 (median = $10.13). The highest costs were in campaign-style at $27.64 (median = $26.70), secondary/index testing at $27.52 (median = $15.85), and antenatal male partner at $47.94 (median = $55.19). Incremental $ppositive was lowest for home-based at $297.09 (median = $246.75); primary testing $352.31 (median = $157.03); in the general population, $262.89 (median: $140.13). CONCLUSION While many studies reported the incremental costs of different HIV testing modalities, few presented full costs. Although the $pptested estimates varied widely, the costs for stand-alone, health facility, home-based, and mobile services were comparable, while substantially higher for campaign-style HTS and the lowest for HIV self-testing. Our review informs policymakers of the affordability of various HTS to ensure universal access to HIV testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nurilign Ahmed
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK.
| | - Jason J Ong
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kathleen McGee
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Marc d'Elbée
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Cheryl Johnson
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Department of HIV/AIDS, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Karin Hatzold
- Population Services International, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Elizabeth L Corbett
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Fern Terris-Prestholt
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
- United Nations Joint Programme on HIV AIDS, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Suraratdecha C, MacKellar D, Steiner C, Rwabiyago OE, Cham HJ, Msumi O, Maruyama H, Kundi G, Byrd J, Weber R, Mkemwa G, Kazaura K, Justman J, Rwebembera A. Cost-outcome analysis of HIV testing and counseling, linkage, and defaulter tracing services in Bukoba, Tanzania. AIDS Care 2024; 36:744-751. [PMID: 37607238 PMCID: PMC10881889 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2247959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Effective services along the HIV continuum of care from HIV testing and counseling to linkage, and from linkage to antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and retention, are key to improved health outcomes of persons living with HIV. A comprehensive analysis of the costs and outcomes of cascade services is needed to help allocate and prioritize resources to achieve UNAIDS targets. We evaluated the costs and population-level impact of a community-wide, integrated scale-up of testing, linkage, and defaulter-tracing programs implemented in Bukoba Municipal Council, Tanzania. Costs per identified HIV-positive client for provider-initiated, and home- and venue-based testing and counseling were $92.64 United States dollars (USD), $256.33 USD, and $281.57 USD, respectively. Costs per patient linked to HIV care and ART were $47.69 USD and $74.12 USD, respectively, during all ART-eligibility periods combined. Costs per defaulter traced and returned to HIV care were $47.56 USD and $206.77 USD, respectively. The provider-initiated testing and counseling was the most cost-effective modality. Testing approaches targeted to populations groups and geographic location with high testing positivity rates may improve the overall efficiency of testing services. The expansion of ART eligibility criteria and high linkage rate also result in efficiency gains and economies of scale of linkage services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chutima Suraratdecha
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Duncan MacKellar
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | - Haddi Jatou Cham
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Omari Msumi
- ICAP at Columbia University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Gerald Kundi
- ICAP at Columbia University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Rachel Weber
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Grace Mkemwa
- ICAP at Columbia University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Anath Rwebembera
- National AIDS Control Program, Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
McGee K, d'Elbée M, Dekova R, Sande LA, Dube L, Masuku S, Dlamini M, Mangenah C, Mwenge L, Johnson C, Hatzold K, Neuman M, Meyer-Rath G, Terris-Prestholt F. Costs of distributing HIV self-testing kits in Eswatini through community and workplace models. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 22:976. [PMID: 38424538 PMCID: PMC10902928 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08694-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study evaluates the implementation and running costs of an HIV self-testing (HIVST) distribution program in Eswatini. HIVST kits were delivered through community-based and workplace models using primary and secondary distribution. Primary clients could self-test onsite or offsite. This study presents total running economic costs of kit distribution per model between April 2019 and March 2020, and estimates average cost per HIVST kit distributed, per client self-tested, per client self-tested reactive, per client confirmed positive, and per client initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART). METHODS Distribution data and follow-up phone interviews were analysed to estimate implementation outcomes. Results were presented for each step of the care cascade using best-case and worst-case scenarios. A top-down incremental cost-analysis was conducted from the provider perspective using project expenditures. Sensitivity and scenario analyses explored effects of economic and epidemiological parameters on average costs. RESULTS Nineteen thousand one hundred fifty-five HIVST kits were distributed to 13,031 individuals over a 12-month period, averaging 1.5 kits per recipient. 83% and 17% of kits were distributed via the community and workplace models, respectively. Clients reached via the workplace model were less likely to opt for onsite testing than clients in the community model (8% vs 29%). 6% of onsite workplace testers tested reactive compared to 2% of onsite community testers. Best-case scenario estimated 17,458 (91%) clients self-tested, 633 (4%) received reactive-test results, 606 (96%) linked to confirmatory testing, and 505 (83%) initiated ART. Personnel and HIVST kits represented 60% and 32% of total costs, respectively. Average costs were: per kit distributed US$17.23, per client tested US$18.91, per client with a reactive test US$521.54, per client confirmed positive US$550.83, and per client initiating ART US$708.60. Lower rates for testing, reactivity, and linkage to care in the worst-case scenario resulted in higher average costs along the treatment cascade. CONCLUSION This study fills a significant evidence gap regarding costs of HIVST provision along the client care cascade in Eswatini. Workplace and community-based distribution of HIVST accompanied with effective linkage to care strategies can support countries to reach cascade objectives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen McGee
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Marc d'Elbée
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Linda A Sande
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Sanele Masuku
- Population Services International, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | | | - Collin Mangenah
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Cheryl Johnson
- World Health Organisation, Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Karin Hatzold
- Population Services International, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Melissa Neuman
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Gesine Meyer-Rath
- Center for Global Heath and Development, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, USA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Fern Terris-Prestholt
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mangenah C, Sibanda EL, Maringwa G, Sithole J, Gudukeya S, Mugurungi O, Hatzold K, Terris-Prestholt F, Maheswaran H, Thirumurthy H, Cowan FM. Provider and female client economic costs of integrated sexual and reproductive health and HIV services in Zimbabwe. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0291082. [PMID: 38346046 PMCID: PMC10861069 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
A retrospective facility-based costing study was undertaken to estimate the comparative cost per visit of five integrated sexual and reproductive health and HIV (human immuno-deficiency virus) services (provider perspective) within five clinic sites. These five clinics were part of four service delivery models: Non-governmental-organisation (NGO) directly managed model (Chitungwiza and New Africa House sites), NGO partner managed site (Mutare site), private-public-partnership (PPP) model (Chitungwiza Profam Clinic), and NGO directly managed outreach (operating from New Africa House site. In addition client cost exit interviews (client perspective) were conducted among 856 female clients exiting integrated services at three of the sites. Our costing approach involved first a facility bottom-up costing exercise (February to April 2015), conducted to quantify and value each resource input required to provide individual SRH and HIV services. Secondly overhead financial expenditures were allocated top-down from central office to sites and then respective integrated service based on pre-defined allocation factors derived from both the site facility observations and programme data for the prior 12 months. Costs were assessed in 2015 United States dollars (USD). Costs were assessed for HIV testing and counselling, screening and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis screening with smear microscopy, family planning, and cervical cancer screening and treatment employing visual inspection with acetic acid and cervicography and cryotherapy. Variability in costs per visit was evident across the models being highest for cervical cancer screening and cryotherapy (range: US$6.98-US$49.66). HIV testing and counselling showed least variability (range; US$10.96-US$16.28). In general the PPP model offered integrated services at the lowest unit costs whereas the partner managed site was highest. Significant client costs remain despite availability of integrated sexual and reproductive health and HIV services free of charge in our Zimbabwe study setting. Situating services closer to communities, incentives, transport reimbursements, reducing waiting times and co-location of sexual and reproductive health and HIV services may help minimise impact of client costs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Collin Mangenah
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR), Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Euphemia L. Sibanda
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR), Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Galven Maringwa
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR), Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Karin Hatzold
- Population Services International, Washington DC, United States of America
| | | | | | - Harsha Thirumurthy
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Frances M. Cowan
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR), Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shaba F, Balakasi KT, Offorjebe OA, Nyirenda M, Wong VJ, Gupta SK, Hoffman RM, Dovel K. Facility HIV Self-Testing in Outpatient Departments: An Assessment of Characteristics and Concerns of Outpatients Who Opt Out of Testing in Malawi. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2024; 95:151-160. [PMID: 37977194 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Facility HIV self-testing (HIVST) in outpatient departments can dramatically increase testing among adult outpatients. However, it is still unclear why populations opt out of facility HIVST and reasons for opt outing. Using data from a parent facility HIVST trial, we sought to understand individual characteristics associated with opting out of facility HIVST and reported reasons for not testing. METHODS Exit surveys were conducted with outpatients aged ≥15 years at 5 facilities in Central and Southern Malawi randomized to the facility HIVST arm of the parent trial. Outpatients were eligible for our substudy if they were offered HIVST and eligible for HIV testing (ie, never previously tested HIV positive and tested ≥12 months ago or never tested). Summary statistics and multivariate regression models were used. RESULTS Seven hundred seventy-one outpatients were included in the substudy. Two hundred sixty-three (34%) opted out of HIVST. Urban residency (adjusted risk ratios [aRR] 3.48; 95% CI: 1.56 to 7.76) and self-reported poor health (aRR 1.86; 95% CI: 1.27 to 2.72) were associated with an increased risk of opting out. Male participants had a 69% higher risk of opting out (aRR 1.69; 95% CI: 1.14 to 2.51), with risk being 38% lower among working male participants. Primary reasons for not testing were feeling unprepared to test (49·4%) and perceived low risk of HIV infection (30·4%)-only 2.6% believed that HIVST instructions were unclear, and 1.7% were concerned about privacy. CONCLUSION Working, risky sexual behavior, rural residence, and good self-rated health were positively associated with opting out of HIVST among outpatients. Strategies to address internalized barriers, such as preparedness to test and perceived need to test, should be incorporated into facility HIVST interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ogechukwu A Offorjebe
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, CA
- School of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA
| | | | - Vincent J Wong
- Office of HIV/AIDS, United States Agency for International Development, Washington, DC; and
| | - Sundeep K Gupta
- Partners in Hope, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Risa M Hoffman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Kathryn Dovel
- Partners in Hope, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nhamo D, Mangenah C, Chapwanya G, Mamvuto T, Mahaka I, Sri-Pathmanathan C, Ferrand RA, Kranzer K, Terris-Prestholt F, Marks M, Tucker JD. Feasibility and economic costs of syphilis self-testing to expand test uptake among gay, bisexual and transgender men: results from a randomised controlled trial in Zimbabwe. Sex Health 2023; 20:514-522. [PMID: 37666490 DOI: 10.1071/sh23038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Access to syphilis testing and treatment is frequently limited for men who have sex with men (MSM). A two-armed randomised controlled trial compared feasibility and costs of facility-based syphilis testing with self-testing among MSM in Zimbabwe. METHODS This randomised controlled trial was conducted in Harare, with participants randomised 1:1. Syphilis self-testing was offered in community-based settings. The primary outcome was the relative proportion of individuals taking up testing. Total incremental economic provider and user costs, and cost per client tested, diagnosed and treated were assessed using ingredients-based costing in 2020US$. RESULTS A total of 100 men were enrolled. The two groups were similar in demographics. The mean age was 26years. Overall, 58% (29/50) and 74% (37/50) of facility- and self-testing arm participants, respectively, completed syphilis testing. A total of 28% of facility arm participants had a reactive test, with 50% of them returning for confirmatory testing yielding 28% reactivity. In the self-testing arm, 67% returned for confirmatory testing, with a reactivity of 16%. Total provider costs were US$859 and US$736, and cost per test US$30 and US$15 for respective arms. Cost per reactive test was US$107 and US$123, and per client treated US$215 and US$184, respectively. The syphilis test kit was the largest cost component. Total user cost per client per visit was US$9. CONCLUSION Syphilis self-testing may increase test uptake among MSM in Zimbabwe. However, some barriers limit uptake including lack of self-testing and poor service access. Bringing syphilis testing services to communities, simplifying service delivery and increasing self-testing access through community-based organisations are useful strategies to promote health-seeking behaviours among MSM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Definate Nhamo
- Pangaea Zimbabwe AIDS Trust (PZAT), Harare, Zimbabwe; and Department of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN), Durban, South Africa
| | - Collin Mangenah
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research (CeSHHAR), Harare, Zimbabwe; and Department of International Global Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | - Imelda Mahaka
- Pangaea Zimbabwe AIDS Trust (PZAT), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Rashida A Ferrand
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK; and Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Katharina Kranzer
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK; and Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Fern Terris-Prestholt
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK; and UNAIDS, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Michael Marks
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK
| | - Joseph D Tucker
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK; and Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bengesai AV, Khan HTA. Exploring the association between attitudes towards wife beating and intimate partner violence using a dyadic approach in three sub-Saharan African countries. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e062977. [PMID: 37316321 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-062977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study examines the association between attitudes towards wife beating and intimate partner violence (IPV) using a dyadic approach in three sub-Saharan countries. SETTING We use data from the most recent Demographic and Health Survey cross-sectional studies which were conducted between 2015 and 2018 in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe PARTICIPANTS: Our sample comprised 9183 couples who also had completed the information on the domestic violence questions and our variables of interest. RESULTS Our results indicate that women in these three countries are generally comparatively more inclined to justify marital violence than their husbands or partners. In terms of IPV experience, we found that when both partners endorsed wife beating, the risk of experiencing IPV was twice as likely after controlling for other couple-level and individual factors (OR=1.91, 95% CI 1.54-2.50, emotional violence; OR=2.42, 95% CI 1.96-3.00, physical violence; OR=1.97, 95% CI 1.47-2.61, sexual violence). The risk of IPV was also higher when the women alone endorsed IPV (OR=1.59, 95% CI 1.35-1.86, emotional violence; OR=1.85, 95% CI 1.59-2.15, physical violence; OR=1.83, 95% CI 1.51-2.22, sexual violence) than when the men alone were tolerant (OR=1.41, 95% CI 1.13-1.75, physical violence; OR=1.43, 95% CI 1.08-1.90, sexual violence). CONCLUSIONS Our findings confirm that attitudes towards violence are perhaps one of the key indicators of IPV prevalence. Therefore, to break the cycle of violence in the three countries, more attention must be paid to attitudes towards the acceptability of marital violence. Programmes tailored to gender role transformation and promote non-violent gender attitudes are also needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annah V Bengesai
- College of Law and Management Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Hafiz T A Khan
- Public Health Group, College of Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare, University of West London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Songane M, Magaia CC, Couto A, Dengo N, Cassamo AR, Nhantumbo R, Mahumane C, Mabote A, Mikusova S, Nhangave A, Bhatt N, Mukherjee SS. HIV community index testing reaches proportionally more males than facility-based testing and is cost-effective: A study from Gaza province, Mozambique. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286458. [PMID: 37235565 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Mozambique, 38.7% of women and 60.4% of men ages 15-59 years old living with HIV do not know their HIV status. A pilot home-based HIV counseling and testing program based on index cases in the community was implemented in eight districts in Gaza province (Mozambique). The pilot targeted the sexual partners, biological children under 14 years old living in the same household, and parents (for pediatric cases) of people living with HIV. The study aimed to estimate the cost-efficiency and effectiveness of community index testing and compare the HIV testing outputs with facility-based testing. METHODS Community index testing costs included the following categories: human resources, HIV rapid tests, travel and transportation for supervision and home visits, training, supplies and consumables, and review and coordination meetings. Costs were estimated from a health systems perspective using a micro-costing approach. All project costs were incurred between October 2017 and September 2018 and converted to U.S. dollars ($) using the prevailing exchange rate. We estimated the cost per individual tested, per new HIV diagnosis, and per infection averted. RESULTS A total of 91,411 individuals were tested for HIV through community index testing, of which 7,011 were newly diagnosed with HIV. Human resources (52%), purchase of HIV rapid tests (28%) and supplies (8%) were the major cost drivers. The cost per individual tested was $5.82, per new HIV diagnosis was $65.32, and per infection averted per year was $1,813. Furthermore, the community index testing approach proportionally tested more males (53%) than facility-based testing (27%). CONCLUSION These data suggest that expansion of the community index case approach may be an effective and efficient strategy to increase the identification of previously undiagnosed HIV-positive individuals, particularly males.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mário Songane
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Célia C Magaia
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Aleny Couto
- Programa Nacional de Controle de HIV/SIDA, Maputo, Ministério da Saúde, Mozambique
| | - Nataniel Dengo
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Abdul R Cassamo
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Rene Nhantumbo
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Carlos Mahumane
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Atanásio Mabote
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Silvia Mikusova
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Amâncio Nhangave
- Direção Provincial de Saúde de Gaza, Xai-Xai, Ministério da Saúde, Mozambique
| | - Nilesh Bhatt
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Sushant S Mukherjee
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington DC, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Opuni M, Sanchez-Morales JE, Figueroa JL, Salas-Ortiz A, Banda LM, Olawo A, Munthali S, Korir J, DiCarlo M, Bautista-Arredondo S. Estimating the cost of HIV services for key populations provided by the LINKAGES program in Kenya and Malawi. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:337. [PMID: 37016402 PMCID: PMC10071702 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09279-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data remain scarce on the costs of HIV services for key populations (KPs). The objective of this study was to bridge this gap in the literature by estimating the unit costs of HIV services delivered to KPs in the LINKAGES program in Kenya and Malawi. We estimated the mean total unit costs of seven clinical services: post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), HIV testing services (HTS), antiretroviral therapy (ART), sexually transmitted infection (STI) services, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, and management of sexual violence (MSV). These costs take into account the costs of non-clinical services delivered alongside clinical services and the pre-service and above-service program management integral to the LINKAGES program. METHODS Data were collected at all implementation levels of the LINKAGES program including 30 drop-in-centers (DICs) in Kenya and 15 in Malawi. This study was conducted from the provider's perspective. We estimated economic costs for FY 2019 and cost estimates include start-up costs. Start-up and capital costs were annualized using a discount rate of 3%. We used a combination of top-down and bottom-up costing approaches. Top-down methods were used to estimate the costs of headquarters, country offices, and implementing partners. Bottom-up micro-costing methods were used to measure the quantities and prices of inputs used to produce services in DICs. Volume-weighted mean unit costs were calculated for each clinical service. Costs are presented in 2019 United States dollars (US$). RESULTS The mean total unit costs per service ranged from US$18 (95% CI: 16, 21) for STI services to US$635 (95% CI: 484, 785) for PrEP in Kenya and from US$41 (95% CI: 37, 44) for STI services to US$1,240 (95% CI 1156, 1324) for MSV in Malawi. Clinical costs accounted for between 21 and 59% of total mean unit costs in Kenya, and between 25 and 38% in Malawi. Indirect costs-including start-up activities, the costs of KP interventions implemented alongside clinical services, and program management and data monitoring-made up the remaining costs incurred. CONCLUSIONS A better understanding of the cost of HIV services is highly relevant for budgeting and planning purposes and for optimizing HIV services. When considering all service delivery costs of a comprehensive HIV service package for KPs, costs of services can be significantly higher than when considering direct clinical service costs alone. These estimates can inform investment cases, strategic plans and other budgeting exercises.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jorge Eduardo Sanchez-Morales
- Division of Health Economics and Health Systems Innovations, National Institute of Public Health (INSP), Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Jose Luis Figueroa
- Division of Health Economics and Health Systems Innovations, National Institute of Public Health (INSP), Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Andrea Salas-Ortiz
- Division of Health Economics and Health Systems Innovations, National Institute of Public Health (INSP), Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sergio Bautista-Arredondo
- Division of Health Economics and Health Systems Innovations, National Institute of Public Health (INSP), Cuernavaca, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
HIV Testing Strategies, Types of Tests, and Uptake by Men Who have Sex with Men and Transgender Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:678-707. [PMID: 35984608 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03803-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effectiveness of strategies and types of tests on HIV testing uptake by men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW), and in reaching PLWH. Articles published up to July 2020 were identified from major electronic databases and grey literature. Data were extracted and assessed for risk of bias. Estimates were pooled using random-effect meta-analysis while heterogeneity was evaluated by Cochran's Q test and I2. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020192740). Of 6820 titles, 263 studies (n = 67,288 participants) were included. The testing strategies reported in most studies were community- (71.2%) and facility-based (28.8%). Highest uptake, with facility-based testing, occurred and reached more PLWH while with standard laboratory tests, it occurred with the highest HIV prevalence among MSM. However, urine test showed a highest rate of new HIV infection. Multiple test combinations had the highest uptake and reached more PLWH among TGW. Various testing strategies, considering barriers and regional differences, and different test types, need be considered, to increase uptake among MSM and TGW.
Collapse
|
11
|
Thomas D, Wanje G, Eastment MC, McClelland RS, Mwaringa E, Patta S, Jaoko W, Kinuthia J, Abubakar A, Sherr K, Barnabas RV. The cost of implementing the Systems Analysis and Improvement Approach for a cluster randomized trial integrating HIV testing into family planning services in Mombasa County, Kenya. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1480. [PMID: 36471311 PMCID: PMC9720937 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08828-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although HIV testing in family planning (FP) clinics is a promising approach for engaging women in HIV treatment and prevention services, HIV testing rates are low in FP clinics in Kenya. In 2018, a cluster randomized trial was implemented in Mombasa, Kenya applying the Systems Analysis and Improvement Approach (SAIA) to integrate HIV testing into FP services (1K24HD088229-01). We estimated the incremental costs and explored cost drivers of the FP HIV SAIA implementation in Mombasa, Kenya. METHODS We conducted a costing evaluation from the payer perspective for the FP HIV SAIA randomized control trial. We identified relevant activities for the intervention including start-up, training, research and FP HIV SAIA. We estimated activity time burden using a time-and motion study. We derived unit costs through staff interviews and programmatic budgets. We present cost estimates for two different scenarios: as-implemented including research and projected costs for a Ministry of Health-supported intervention. All costs are reported in 2018 USD. RESULTS For an annual program output of 36,086 HIV tests administered to new FP clients, we estimated the total annual program cost to be $91,994 with an average cost per new FP client served of $2.55. Personnel and HIV rapid testing kits comprised 55% and 21% of programmatic costs, respectively. Assuming no changes to program outputs and with efficiency gains under the MOH scenario, the estimated cost per new FP client served decreased to $1.30 with a programmatic cost reduction of 49%. CONCLUSION FP HIV SAIA is a low-cost and flexible implementation strategy for facilitating integrated delivery of HIV testing alongside FP services. Although cost implications of the FP HIV SAIA intervention must continue to be evaluated over time, these findings provide context-specific cost data useful for budget planning and decision-making regarding intervention delivery and expansion. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial was registered on December 15, 2016, with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02994355).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy Thomas
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Ninth and Jefferson Building, HMC 359927, 98104-2499, Seattle, USA.
| | - George Wanje
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Ninth and Jefferson Building, HMC 359927, 98104-2499, Seattle, USA
| | | | - R Scott McClelland
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Ninth and Jefferson Building, HMC 359927, 98104-2499, Seattle, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Emily Mwaringa
- Department of Health Services, County Government of Mombasa, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Shem Patta
- Department of Health Services, County Government of Mombasa, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Walter Jaoko
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - John Kinuthia
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Ninth and Jefferson Building, HMC 359927, 98104-2499, Seattle, USA
- Department of Research & Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Aisha Abubakar
- Department of Health Services, County Government of Mombasa, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Kenneth Sherr
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Ninth and Jefferson Building, HMC 359927, 98104-2499, Seattle, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Ruanne V Barnabas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhou Y, Huang S, Cui M, Guo Z, Tang H, Lyu H, Ni Y, Lu Y, Feng Y, Wang Y, Jing F, Huang S, Li J, Xu Y, Mei W. Comparison between HIV self-testing and facility-based HIV testing approach on HIV early detection among men who have sex with men: A cross-sectional study. Front Immunol 2022; 13:857905. [PMID: 36177052 PMCID: PMC9513029 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.857905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To assess whether HIV self-testing (HIVST) has a better performance in identifying HIV-infected cases than the facility-based HIV testing (HIVFBT) approach. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among men who have sex with men (MSM) by using an online questionnaire (including information on sociodemographic, sexual biography, and HIV testing history) and blood samples (for limiting antigen avidity enzyme immunoassay, gene subtype testing, and taking confirmed HIV test). MSM who were firstly identified as HIV positive through HIVST and HIVFBT were compared. Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test was used to explore any association between both groups and their subgroups. Results In total, 124 MSM HIV cases were identified from 2017 to 2021 in Zhuhai, China, including 60 identified through HIVST and 64 through HIVFBT. Participants in the HIVST group were younger (≤30 years, 76.7% vs. 46.9%), were better educated (>high school, 61.7% vs. 39.1%), and had higher viral load (≥1,000 copies/ml, 71.7% vs. 50.0%) than MSM cases identified through HIVFBT. The proportion of early HIV infection in the HIVST group was higher than in the HIVFBT group, identified using four recent infection testing algorithms (RITAs) (RITA 1, 46.7% vs. 25.0%; RITA 2, 43.3% vs. 20.3%; RITA 3, 30.0% vs. 14.1%; RITA 4, 26.7% vs. 10.9%; all p < 0.05). Conclusions The study showed that HIVST has better HIV early detection among MSM and that recent HIV infection cases mainly occur in younger and better-educated MSM. Compared with HIVFBT, HIVST is more accessible to the most at-risk population on time and tends to identify the case early. Further implementation studies are needed to fill the knowledge gap on this medical service model among MSM and other target populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhou
- Department of HIV Prevention, Zhuhai Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhuhai, China
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Shaoli Huang
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University-University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mingting Cui
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhihui Guo
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Haotong Tang
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Hang Lyu
- Department of HIV Prevention, Zhuhai Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhuhai, China
| | - Yuxin Ni
- Dermatology Hospital of South Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Lu
- Dermatology Hospital of South Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunlong Feng
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuyu Wang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fengshi Jing
- Institute for Healthcare Artificial Intelligence, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
- School of Data Science, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shanzi Huang
- Department of HIV Prevention, Zhuhai Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhuhai, China
| | - Jiarun Li
- Department of HIV Prevention, Zhuhai Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhuhai, China
| | - Yao Xu
- Department of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Wenhua Mei, ; Yao Xu,
| | - Wenhua Mei
- Department of HIV Prevention, Zhuhai Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhuhai, China
- *Correspondence: Wenhua Mei, ; Yao Xu,
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Costs and cost-effectiveness of HIV counselling and testing modalities in Southern Mozambique. COST EFFECTIVENESS AND RESOURCE ALLOCATION 2022; 20:49. [PMID: 36068574 PMCID: PMC9447341 DOI: 10.1186/s12962-022-00378-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Despite the high HIV associated burden, Mozambique lacks data on HIV counselling and testing (HCT) costs. To help guide national HIV/AIDS programs, we estimated the cost per test for voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) from the patient’s perspective and the costs per person tested and per HIV-positive individual linked to care to the healthcare provider for VCT, provider-initiated counselling and testing (PICT) and home-based testing (HBT). We also assessed the cost-effectiveness of these strategies for linking patients to care. Methods Data from a cohort study conducted in the Manhiça District were used to derive costs and linkage-to-care outcomes of the three HCT strategies. A decision tree was used to model HCT costs according to the likelihood of HCT linking individuals to care and to obtain the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) of PICT and HBT with VCT as the comparator. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess robustness of base-case findings. Findings Based on costs and valuations in 2015, average and median VCT costs to the patient per individual tested were US$1.34 and US$1.08, respectively. Costs per individual tested were greatest for HBT (US$11.07), followed by VCT (US$7.79), and PICT (US$7.14). The costs per HIV-positive individual linked to care followed a similar trend. PICT was not cost-effective in comparison with VCT at a willingness-to-accept threshold of US$4.53, but only marginally given a corresponding base-case ICER of US$4.15, while HBT was dominated, with higher costs and lower impact than VCT. Base-case results for the comparison between PICT and VCT presented great uncertainty, whereas findings for HBT were robust. Conclusion PICT and VCT are likely equally cost-effective in Manhiça. We recommend that VCT be offered as the predominant HCT strategy in Mozambique, but expansion of PICT could be considered in limited-resource areas. HBT without facilitated linkage or reduced costs is unlikely to be cost-effective.
Collapse
|
14
|
Mangenah C, Nhamo D, Gudukeya S, Gwavava E, Gavi C, Chiwawa P, Chidawanyika S, Muleya P, Taruberekera N, Madidi N, Ncube G, Bara H, Napierala S, Dunbar M, Hoke T, Kripke K, Cowan FM, Torjesen K, Terris-Prestholt F. Efficiency in PrEP Delivery: Estimating the Annual Costs of Oral PrEP in Zimbabwe. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:161-170. [PMID: 34453240 PMCID: PMC8786759 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03367-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Although oral PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV acquisition, optimizing continuation among beneficiaries is challenging in many settings. We estimated the costs of delivering oral PrEP to populations at risk of HIV in seven clinics in Zimbabwe. Full annual economic costs of oral PrEP initiations and continuation visits were estimated from the providers’ perspective for a six-clinic NGO network and one government SGBV clinic in Zimbabwe (January–December 2018). Disaggregating costs of full initiation and incremental follow-up visits enabled modeling of the impact of duration of continuation on the cost per person-year ($pPY) on PrEP. 4677 people initiated oral PrEP, averaging 2.7 follow-up visits per person. Average cost per person initiated was $238 ($183–$302 across the NGO clinics; $86 in the government facility). The full cost per initiation visit, including central and direct costs, was $178, and the incremental cost per follow-up visit, capturing only additional resources used directly in the follow up visits, was $22. The average duration of continuation was 3.0 months, generating an average $pPY of $943, ranging from $839 among adolescent girls and young women to $1219 in men. Oral PrEP delivery costs varied substantially by scale of initiations and by duration of continuation and type of clinic. Extending the average oral PrEP continuation from 2.7 to 5 visits (about 6 months) would greatly improve service efficiency, cutting the $pPY by more than half.
Collapse
|
15
|
Traore MM, Badiane K, Vautier A, Simo Fotso A, Kanku Kabemba O, Rouveau N, Maheu-Giroux M, Boily MC, Larmarange J, Terris-Prestholt F, d'Elbée M. Economic Analysis of Low Volume Interventions Using Real-World Data: Costs of HIV Self-Testing Distribution and HIV Testing Services in West Africa From the ATLAS Project. FRONTIERS IN HEALTH SERVICES 2022; 2:886513. [PMID: 36925821 PMCID: PMC10012764 DOI: 10.3389/frhs.2022.886513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Achieving the first 95 of the UNAIDS targets requires the implementation of innovative approaches to knowing one's HIV status. Among these innovations is the provision of HIV self-testing (HIVST) kits in west Africa by the international partner organization Solthis (IPO). In order to provide guidance for the optimal use of financial resources, this study aims to estimate the program and site level costs of dispensing HIVST as well as HIV testing services (HTS)-excluding HIVST-in health facilities in Côte d'Ivoire, Mali and Senegal as part of the ATLAS project. We estimated from the provider's perspective, HIVST and HTS incremental costs using top-down and bottom-up costing approaches and conducted a time and motion study. We identified costs at the program level for HIVST (including IPO central costs) and at the site level for HIVST and HTS. The economic costs of distributing HIVST kits were assessed in 37 health facilities between July 2019 and March 2021 (21 months). Sensitivity analyses were also performed on unit costs to examine the robustness of our estimates related to key assumptions. In total, 16,001 HIVST kits were dispensed for 32,194 HTS sessions carried out. Program level HIVST average costs ranged $12-286, whereas site level costs ranged $4-26 across distribution channels and countries. Site level HTS costs ranged $7-8 per testing session, and ranged $72-705 per HIV diagnosis. Across countries and channels, HIVST costs were driven by personnel (27-68%) and HIVST kits (32-73%) costs. The drivers of HTS costs were personnel costs ranging between 65 and 71% of total costs across distribution channels and countries, followed by supplies costs between 21 and 30%. While program level HIVST average costs were high, site level HIVST average costs remained comparable to HTS costs in all countries. Health facility-based distribution channels operating at low volume exhibit high proportion of central costs which should be considered carefully for financial planning when run alongside high volumes mobile outreach distribution channels. HIVST can diversify the HIV testing offer at health facilities, thus improving access to screening for target populations not reached by HTS services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kéba Badiane
- Solidarité Thérapeutique et Initiative pour la Santé, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Anthony Vautier
- Solidarité Thérapeutique et Initiative pour la Santé, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Arlette Simo Fotso
- Centre Population et Développement (Ceped), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Université de Paris, Inserm, Paris, France
| | | | - Nicolas Rouveau
- Centre Population et Développement (Ceped), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Université de Paris, Inserm, Paris, France
| | - Mathieu Maheu-Giroux
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Claude Boily
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph Larmarange
- Centre Population et Développement (Ceped), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Université de Paris, Inserm, Paris, France
| | - Fern Terris-Prestholt
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marc d'Elbée
- Department of Global Health in the Global South, Bordeaux Population Health, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Vasantharoopan A, Maheswaran H, Simms V, Dziva Chikwari C, Chigwenah T, Chikodzore R, Nyathi K, Ncube G, Ferrand RA, Guinness L. A costing analysis of B-GAP: index-linked HIV testing for children and adolescents in Zimbabwe. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:1082. [PMID: 34641871 PMCID: PMC8507161 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-07070-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background By testing children and adolescents of HIV positive caretakers, index-linked HIV testing, a targeted HIV testing strategy, has the ability to identify high risk children and adolescents earlier and more efficiently, compared to blanket testing. We evaluated the incremental cost of integrating index-linked HIV testing via three modalities into HIV services in Zimbabwe. Methods A mixture of bottom-up and top-down costing was employed to estimate the provider cost per test and per HIV diagnosis for 2–18 year olds, through standard of care testing, and the incremental cost of index-linked HIV testing via three modalities: facility-based testing, home-based testing by a healthcare worker, and testing at home by the caregiver using an oral mucosal transudate test. In addition to interviews, direct observation and study process data, facility registries were abstracted to extract outcome data and resource use. Costs were converted to 2019 constant US$. Results The average cost per standard of care test in urban facilities was US$5.91 and US$7.15 at the rural facility. Incremental cost of an index-linked HIV test was driven by the uptake and number of participants tested. The lowest cost approach in the urban setting was home-based testing (US$6.69) and facility-based testing at the rural clinic (US$5.36). Testing by caregivers was almost always the most expensive option (rural US$62.49, urban US$17.49). Conclusions This is the first costing analysis of index-linked HIV testing strategies. Unit costs varied across sites and with uptake. When scaling up, alternative testing solutions that increase efficiency such as index-linked HIV testing of the entire household, as opposed to solely targeting children/adolescents, need to be explored. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-07070-3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arthi Vasantharoopan
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | | | - Victoria Simms
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Chido Dziva Chikwari
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Tariro Chigwenah
- Health Economics Unit, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rudo Chikodzore
- Matebeleland South, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
| | - Khulamuzi Nyathi
- City Health Department, Bulawayo City Council, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Rashida A Ferrand
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Lorna Guinness
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Adawiyah RA, Saweri OPM, Boettiger DC, Applegate TL, Probandari A, Guy R, Guinness L, Wiseman V. The costs of scaling up HIV and syphilis testing in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review. Health Policy Plan 2021; 36:939-954. [PMID: 33693731 PMCID: PMC8227996 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czab030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Around two-thirds of all new HIV infections and 90% of syphilis cases occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Testing is a key strategy for the prevention and treatment of HIV and syphilis. Decision-makers in LMICs face considerable uncertainties about the costs of scaling up HIV and syphilis testing. This paper synthesizes economic evidence on the costs of scaling up HIV and syphilis testing interventions in LMICs and evidence on how costs change with the scale of delivery. We systematically searched multiple databases (Medline, Econlit, Embase, EMCARE, CINAHL, Global Health and the NHS Economic Evaluation Database) for peer-reviewed studies examining the costs of scaling up HIV and syphilis testing in LMICs. Thirty-five eligible studies were identified from 4869 unique citations. Most studies were conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa (N = 17) and most explored the costs of rapid HIV in facilities targeted the general population (N = 19). Only two studies focused on syphilis testing. Seventeen studies were cost analyses, 17 were cost-effectiveness analyses and 1 was cost-benefit analysis of HIV or syphilis testing. Most studies took a modelling approach (N = 25) and assumed costs increased linearly with scale. Ten studies examined cost efficiencies associated with scale, most reporting short-run economies of scale. Important drivers of the costs of scaling up included testing uptake and the price of test kits. The 'true' cost of scaling up testing is likely to be masked by the use of short-term decision frameworks, linear unit-cost projections (i.e. multiplying an average cost by a factor reflecting activity at a larger scale) and availability of health system capacity and infrastructure to supervise and support scale up. Cost data need to be routinely collected alongside other monitoring indicators as HIV and syphilis testing continues to be scaled up in LMICs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rabiah Al Adawiyah
- The Kirby Institute, University New South Wales, High St, Kensington 2052, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Olga P M Saweri
- The Kirby Institute, University New South Wales, High St, Kensington 2052, New South Wales, Australia.,Population Health and Demography, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, PO Box 60 Homate Street, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - David C Boettiger
- The Kirby Institute, University New South Wales, High St, Kensington 2052, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tanya L Applegate
- The Kirby Institute, University New South Wales, High St, Kensington 2052, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ari Probandari
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Jl. Ir. Sutami 36A. Surakarta, 57126, Indonesia
| | - Rebecca Guy
- The Kirby Institute, University New South Wales, High St, Kensington 2052, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lorna Guinness
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, UK.,Centre for Global DevelopmentEurope, Great Peter House, Great College St, London SW1P 3SE, UK
| | - Virginia Wiseman
- The Kirby Institute, University New South Wales, High St, Kensington 2052, New South Wales, Australia.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, UK
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Mangenah C, Mavhu W, Garcia DC, Gavi C, Mleya P, Chiwawa P, Chidawanyika S, Ncube G, Xaba S, Mugurungi O, Taruberekera N, Madidi N, Fielding KL, Johnson C, Hatzold K, Terris-Prestholt F, Cowan FM, Bautista-Arredondo S. Relative efficiency of demand creation strategies to increase voluntary medical male circumcision uptake: a study conducted as part of a randomised controlled trial in Zimbabwe. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2021-004983. [PMID: 34275870 PMCID: PMC8287601 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-004983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Supply and demand-side factors continue to undermine voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) uptake. We assessed relative economic costs of four VMMC demand creation/service-delivery modalities as part of a randomised controlled trial in Zimbabwe. METHODS Interpersonal communication agents were trained and incentivised to generate VMMC demand across five districts using four demand creation modalities (standard demand creation (SDC), demand creation plus offer of HIV self-testing (HIVST), human-centred design (HCD)-informed approach, HCD-informed demand creation approach plus offer of HIVST). Annual provider financial expenditure analysis and activity-based-costing including time-and-motion analysis across 15 purposively selected sites accounted for financial expenditures and donated inputs from other programmes and funders. Sites represented three models of VMMC service-delivery: static (fixed) model offering VMMC continuously to walk-in clients at district hospitals and serving as a district hub for integrated mobile and outreach services, (2) integrated (mobile) modelwhere staff move from the district static (fixed) site with their commodities to supplement existing services or to recently capacitated health facilities, intermittently and (3) mobile/outreach model offering VMMC through mobile clinic services in more remote sites. RESULTS Total programme cost was $752 585 including VMMC service-delivery costs and average cost per client reached and cost per circumcision were $58 and $174, respectively. Highest costs per client reached were in the HCD arm-$68 and lowest costs in standard demand creation ($52) and HIVST ($55) arms, respectively. Highest cost per client circumcised was observed in the arm where HIVST and HCD were combined ($226) and the lowest in the HCD alone arm ($160). Across the three VMMC service-delivery models, unit cost was lowest in static (fixed) model ($54) and highest in integrated mobile model ($63). Overall, economies of scale were evident with unit costs lower in sites with higher numbers of clients reached and circumcised. CONCLUSIONS There was high variability in unit costs across arms and sites suggesting opportunities for cost reductions. Highest costs were observed in the HCD+HIVST arm when combined with an integrated service-delivery setting. Mobilisation programmes that intensively target higher conversion rates as exhibited in the SDC and HCD arms provide greater scope for efficiency by spreading costs. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER PACTR201804003064160.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Collin Mangenah
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe .,Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Webster Mavhu
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe,Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Diego Cerecero Garcia
- Division of Health Economics and Health Systems Innovations, Instituto Nacional de Salud Publica, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Chiedza Gavi
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Polite Mleya
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Progress Chiwawa
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Katherine L Fielding
- Faculty of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Karin Hatzold
- Population Services International, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Fern Terris-Prestholt
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Frances M Cowan
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe,Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sergio Bautista-Arredondo
- Division of Health Economics and Health Systems Innovations, Instituto Nacional de Salud Publica, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Indravudh PP, Fielding K, Chilongosi R, Nzawa R, Neuman M, Kumwenda MK, Nyirenda R, Johnson CC, Taegtmeyer M, Desmond N, Hatzold K, Corbett EL. Effect of door-to-door distribution of HIV self-testing kits on HIV testing and antiretroviral therapy initiation: a cluster randomised trial in Malawi. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2020-004269. [PMID: 34275866 PMCID: PMC8287599 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-004269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Reaching high coverage of HIV testing remains essential for HIV diagnosis, treatment and prevention. We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of door-to-door distribution of HIV self-testing (HIVST) kits in rural Malawi. METHODS This cluster randomised trial, conducted between September 2016 and January 2018, used restricted 1:1 randomisation to allocate 22 health facilities and their defined areas to door-to-door HIVST alongside the standard of care (SOC) or the SOC alone. The study population included residents (≥16 years). HIVST kits were provided door-to-door by community-based distribution agents (CBDAs) for at least 12 months. The primary outcome was recent HIV testing (in the last 12 months) measured through an endline survey. Secondary outcomes were lifetime HIV testing and cumulative 16-month antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiations, which were captured at health facilities. Social harms were reported through community reporting systems. Analysis compared cluster-level outcomes by arm. RESULTS Overall, 203 CBDAs distributed 273 729 HIVST kits. The endline survey included 2582 participants in 11 HIVST clusters and 2908 participants in 11 SOC clusters. Recent testing was higher in the HIVST arm (68.5%, 1768/2582) than the SOC arm (48.9%, 1422/2908), with adjusted risk difference (RD) of 16.1% (95% CI 6.5% to 25.7%). Lifetime testing was also higher in the HIVST arm (86.9%, 2243/2582) compared with the SOC arm (78.5%, 2283/2908; adjusted RD 6.3%, 95% CI 2.3% to 10.3%). Differences were most pronounced for adolescents aged 16-19 years (adjusted RD 18.6%, 95% CI 7.3% to 29.9%) and men (adjusted RD 10.2%, 95% CI 3.1% to 17.2%). Cumulative incidence of ART initiation was 1187.2 and 909.0 per 100 000 population in the HIVST and SOC arms, respectively (adjusted RD 309.1, 95% CI -95.5 to 713.7). Self-reported HIVST use was 42.5% (1097/2582), with minimal social harms reported. CONCLUSION Door-to-door HIVST increased recent and lifetime testing at population level and showed high safety, underscoring potential for HIVST to contribute to HIV elimination goals in priority settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02718274.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pitchaya P Indravudh
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK .,Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Katherine Fielding
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg-Braamfontein, Gauteng, South Africa
| | | | - Rebecca Nzawa
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Melissa Neuman
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Moses K Kumwenda
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Rose Nyirenda
- Department of HIV and AIDS, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Cheryl C Johnson
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneve, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Miriam Taegtmeyer
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.,Tropical Infectious Diseases Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Nicola Desmond
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.,Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Karin Hatzold
- Population Services International, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Elizabeth L Corbett
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.,Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Sande LA, Matsimela K, Mwenge L, Mangenah C, Choko AT, d'Elbée M, Majam M, Mostert C, Matamwandi I, Sibanda EL, Johnson C, Hatzold K, Ayles H, Cowan FM, Corbett EL, Neuman M, Maheswaran H, Meyer-Rath G, Terris-Prestholt F. Costs of integrating HIV self-testing in public health facilities in Malawi, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2021-005191. [PMID: 34275874 PMCID: PMC8287606 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-005191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As countries approach the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, there is a need for innovative and cost-saving HIV testing approaches that can increase testing coverage in hard-to-reach populations. The HIV Self-Testing Africa-Initiative distributed HIV self-test (HIVST) kits using unincentivised HIV testing counsellors across 31 public facilities in Malawi, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. HIVST was distributed either through secondary (partner's use) distribution alone or primary (own use) and secondary distribution approaches. METHODS We evaluated the costs of adding HIVST to existing HIV testing from the providers' perspective in the 31 public health facilities across the four countries between 2018 and 2019. We combined expenditure analysis and bottom-up costing approaches. We also carried out time-and-motion studies on the counsellors to estimate the human resource costs of introducing and demonstrating how to use HIVST for primary and secondary use. RESULTS A total of 41 720 kits were distributed during the analysis period, ranging from 1254 in Zimbabwe to 27 678 in Zambia. The cost per kit distributed through the primary distribution approach was $4.27 in Zambia and $9.24 in Zimbabwe. The cost per kit distributed through the secondary distribution approach ranged from $6.46 in Zambia to $13.42 in South Africa, with a wider variation in the average cost at facility-level. From the time-and-motion observations, the counsellors spent between 20% and 44% of the observed workday on HIVST. Overall, personnel and test kit costs were the main cost drivers. CONCLUSION The average costs of distributing HIVST kits were comparable across the four countries in our analysis despite wide cost variability within countries. We recommend context-specific exploration of potential efficiency gains from these facility-level cost variations and demand creation activities to ensure continued affordability at scale.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Alinafe Sande
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Public Health Group, Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Katleho Matsimela
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Collin Mangenah
- Centre for Sexual Health, HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Augustine Talumba Choko
- Public Health Group, Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Marc d'Elbée
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Mohammed Majam
- University of the Witwatersrand, Ezintsha, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Cyprian Mostert
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | | | | | - Karin Hatzold
- Population Services International, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Frances M Cowan
- Centre for Sexual Health HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Elizabeth Lucy Corbett
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Melissa Neuman
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Gesine Meyer-Rath
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Center for Global Health and Development, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Fern Terris-Prestholt
- Department of Global Health & Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
d'Elbée M, Gomez GB, Sande LA, Mwenge L, Mangenah C, Johnson C, Medley GF, Neuman M, Hatzold K, Corbett EL, Meyer-Rath G, Terris-Prestholt F. Modelling costs of community-based HIV self-testing programmes in Southern Africa at scale: an econometric cost function analysis across five countries. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:e005554. [PMID: 34275875 PMCID: PMC8287624 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-005554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following success demonstrated with the HIV Self-Testing AfRica Initiative, HIV self-testing (HIVST) is being added to national HIV testing strategies in Southern Africa. An analysis of the costs of scaling up HIVST is needed to inform national plans, but there is a dearth of evidence on methods for forecasting costs at scale from pilot projects. Econometric cost functions (ECFs) apply statistical inference to predict costs; however, we often do not have the luxury of collecting large amounts of location-specific data. We fit an ECF to identify key drivers of costs, then use a simpler model to guide cost projections at scale. METHODS We estimated the full economic costs of community-based HIVST distribution in 92 locales across Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Lesotho between June 2016 and June 2019. We fitted a cost function with determinants related to scale, locales organisational and environmental characteristics, target populations, and per capita Growth Domestic Product (GDP). We used models differing in data intensity to predict costs at scale. We compared predicted estimates with scale-up costs in Lesotho observed over a 2-year period. RESULTS The scale of distribution, type of community-based intervention, percentage of kits distributed to men, distance from implementer's warehouse and per capita GDP predicted average costs per HIVST kit distributed. Our model simplification approach showed that a parsimonious model could predict costs without losing accuracy. Overall, ECF showed a good predictive capacity, that is, forecast costs were close to observed costs. However, at larger scale, variations of programme efficiency over time (number of kits distributed per agent monthly) could potentially influence cost predictions. DISCUSSION Our empirical cost function can inform community-based HIVST scale-up in Southern African countries. Our findings suggest that a parsimonious ECF can be used to forecast costs at scale in the context of financial planning and budgeting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc d'Elbée
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Gabriela B Gomez
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Linda Alinafe Sande
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Department of HIV/AIDS & TB, Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Collin Mangenah
- Department of Health Economics, Centre for Sexual Health HIV/AIDS Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Cheryl Johnson
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programme, World Health Organisation, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Graham F Medley
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Melissa Neuman
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Karin Hatzold
- Population Services International, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Elizabeth Lucy Corbett
- Department of HIV/AIDS & TB, Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Gesine Meyer-Rath
- Department of Internal Medicine, Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office (HE2RO) - University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Center for Global Health and Development, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Fern Terris-Prestholt
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Department of Global Health & Development, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Thomas R, Probert WJM, Sauter R, Mwenge L, Singh S, Kanema S, Vanqa N, Harper A, Burger R, Cori A, Pickles M, Bell-Mandla N, Yang B, Bwalya J, Phiri M, Shanaube K, Floyd S, Donnell D, Bock P, Ayles H, Fidler S, Hayes RJ, Fraser C, Hauck K. Cost and cost-effectiveness of a universal HIV testing and treatment intervention in Zambia and South Africa: evidence and projections from the HPTN 071 (PopART) trial. Lancet Glob Health 2021; 9:e668-e680. [PMID: 33721566 PMCID: PMC8050197 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(21)00034-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The HPTN 071 (PopART) trial showed that a combination HIV prevention package including universal HIV testing and treatment (UTT) reduced population-level incidence of HIV compared with standard care. However, evidence is scarce on the costs and cost-effectiveness of such an intervention. METHODS Using an individual-based model, we simulated the PopART intervention and standard care with antiretroviral therapy (ART) provided according to national guidelines for the 21 trial communities in Zambia and South Africa (for all individuals aged >14 years), with model parameters and primary cost data collected during the PopART trial and from published sources. Two intervention scenarios were modelled: annual rounds of PopART from 2014 to 2030 (PopART 2014-30; as the UNAIDS Fast-Track target year) and three rounds of PopART throughout the trial intervention period (PopART 2014-17). For each country, we calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) as the cost per disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) and cost per HIV infection averted. Cost-effectiveness acceptability curves were used to indicate the probability of PopART being cost-effective compared with standard care at different thresholds of cost per DALY averted. We also assessed budget impact by projecting undiscounted costs of the intervention compared with standard care up to 2030. FINDINGS During 2014-17, the mean cost per person per year of delivering home-based HIV counselling and testing, linkage to care, promotion of ART adherence, and voluntary medical male circumcision via community HIV care providers for the simulated population was US$6·53 (SD 0·29) in Zambia and US$7·93 (0·16) in South Africa. In the PopART 2014-30 scenario, median ICERs for PopART delivered annually until 2030 were $2111 (95% credible interval [CrI] 1827-2462) per HIV infection averted in Zambia and $3248 (2472-3963) per HIV infection averted in South Africa; and $593 (95% CrI 526-674) per DALY averted in Zambia and $645 (538-757) per DALY averted in South Africa. In the PopART 2014-17 scenario, PopART averted one infection at a cost of $1318 (1098-1591) in Zambia and $2236 (1601-2916) in South Africa, and averted one DALY at $258 (225-298) in Zambia and $326 (266-391) in South Africa, when outcomes were projected until 2030. The intervention had almost 100% probability of being cost-effective at thresholds greater than $700 per DALY averted in Zambia, and greater than $800 per DALY averted in South Africa, in the PopART 2014-30 scenario. Incremental programme costs for annual rounds until 2030 were $46·12 million (for a mean of 341 323 people) in Zambia and $30·24 million (for a mean of 165 852 people) in South Africa. INTERPRETATION Combination prevention with universal home-based testing can be delivered at low annual cost per person but accumulates to a considerable amount when scaled for a growing population. Combination prevention including UTT is cost-effective at thresholds greater than $800 per DALY averted and can be an efficient strategy to reduce HIV incidence in high-prevalence settings. FUNDING US National Institutes of Health, President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, International Initiative for Impact Evaluation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ranjeeta Thomas
- Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK.
| | - William J M Probert
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rafael Sauter
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Surya Singh
- Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Nosivuyile Vanqa
- Desmond Tutu Tuberculosis Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Abigail Harper
- Desmond Tutu Tuberculosis Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ronelle Burger
- Department of Economics, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anne Cori
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Michael Pickles
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Nomtha Bell-Mandla
- Desmond Tutu Tuberculosis Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Blia Yang
- Desmond Tutu Tuberculosis Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | | | - Sian Floyd
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Peter Bock
- Desmond Tutu Tuberculosis Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Helen Ayles
- Zambart, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia; Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sarah Fidler
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Richard J Hayes
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Christophe Fraser
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Katharina Hauck
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK; Abdul Latif Jameel Institute for Disease and Emergency Analytics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Dial NJ, Medley GF, Croft SL, Mahapatra T, Priyamvada K, Sinha B, Palmer L, Terris-Prestholt F. Costs and outcomes of active and passive case detection for visceral leishmaniasis (Kala-Azar) to inform elimination strategies in Bihar, India. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009129. [PMID: 33534836 PMCID: PMC7886142 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective case identification strategies are fundamental to capturing the remaining visceral leishmaniasis (VL) cases in India. To inform government strategies to reach and sustain elimination benchmarks, this study presents costs of active- and passive- case detection (ACD and PCD) strategies used in India's most VL-endemic state, Bihar, with a focus on programme outcomes stratified by district-level incidence. METHODS Expenditure analysis was complemented by onsite micro-costing to compare the cost of PCD in hospitals alongside index case-based ACD and a combination of blanket (house-to-house) and camp ACD from January to December 2018. From the provider's perspective, a cost analysis evaluated the overall programme cost of each activity, the cost per case detected, and the cost of scaling up ACD. RESULTS During 2018, index case-based ACD, blanket and camp ACD, and PCD reported 1,497, 131, and 1,983 VL-positive cases at a unit cost of $522.81, $4,186.81, and $246.79, respectively. In high endemic districts, more VL cases were identified through PCD while in meso- and low-endemic districts more cases were identified through ACD. The cost of scaling up ACD to identify 3,000 additional cases ranged from $1.6-4 million, depending on the extent to which blanket and camp ACD was relied upon. CONCLUSION Cost per VL test conducted (rather than VL-positive case identified) may be a better metric estimating unit costs to scale up ACD in Bihar. As more VL cases were identified in meso-and low-endemic districts through ACD than PCD, health authorities in India should consider bolstering ACD in these areas. Blanket and camp ACD identified fewer cases at a higher unit cost than index case-based ACD. However, the value of detecting additional VL cases early outweighs long-term costs for reaching and sustaining VL elimination benchmarks in India.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie J. Dial
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Graham F. Medley
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Simon L. Croft
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tanmay Mahapatra
- CARE India Solutions for Sustainable Development, Patna, Bihar, India
| | | | - Bikas Sinha
- CARE India Solutions for Sustainable Development, Patna, Bihar, India
| | | | - Fern Terris-Prestholt
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study estimates the costs of community-based HIV testing services (HTS) in Lesotho and assesses the potential efficiency gains achieved by adding HIV self-testing (HIVST) and then self-testing booths. DESIGN Micro-costing analysis using longitudinal data from a real-world intervention. METHODS We collected data prospectively on provider's costs and programmatic outcomes over three time periods of approximately 8 months each, between May 2017 and April 2019. The scope of services was extended during each period as follows: HTS only, HTS and HIVST, HTS and HIVST with individual HIVST booths wherein clients were encouraged to self-test on-site followed by on-site confirmative testing for those with reactive self-test. For each implementation period, we estimated the full financial and economic implementation costs, the incremental costs of adding HIVST onto conventional HTS and the cost per HIV positive case identified. RESULTS Costs per HIV-positive case identified increased between period 1 (US$956) and period 2 (US$1249) then dropped in period 3 (US$813). Full versus incremental cost analyses resulted in large differences in the magnitude of costs, attributable to methods rather than resource use: for example, in period 3, the average full and incremental cost estimates for HTS were US$34.3 and US$23.5 per person tested, and for HIVST were US$37.7 and US$14.0 per kit provided, respectively. CONCLUSION In Lesotho, adding HIVST to community-based HTS improves its overall affordability for HIV-positive case finding. The reporting of both full and incremental cost estimates increase transparency for use in priority setting, budgeting and financial planning for scale-up.
Collapse
|
25
|
Suraratdecha C, Stuart RM, Edwards M, Moore R, Liu N, Wilson DP, Albalak R. Costs of providing HIV care and optimal allocation of HIV resources in Guyana. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0238499. [PMID: 33119591 PMCID: PMC7595312 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Great strides in responding to the HIV epidemic have led to improved access to and uptake of HIV services in Guyana, a lower-middle-income country with a generalized HIV epidemic. Despite efforts to scale up HIV treatment and adopt the test and start strategy, little is known about costs of HIV services across the care cascade. METHODS We collected cost data from the national laboratory and nine selected treatment facilities in five of the country's ten Regions, and estimated the costs associated with HIV testing and services (HTS) and antiretroviral therapy (ART) from a provider perspective from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016. We then used the unit costs to construct four resource allocation scenarios. In the first two scenarios, we calculated how close Guyana would currently be to its 2020 targets if the allocation of funding across programs and regions over 2017-2020 had (a) remained unchanged from latest-reported levels, or (b) been optimally distributed to minimize incidence and deaths. In the next two, we estimated the resources that would have been required to meet the 2020 targets if those resources had been distributed (a) according to latest-reported patterns, or (b) optimally to minimize incidence and deaths. RESULTS The mean cost per test was US$15 and the mean cost per person tested positive was US$796. The mean annual cost per of maintaining established adult and pediatric patients on ART were US$428 and US$410, respectively. The mean annual cost of maintaining virally suppressed patients was US$648. Cost variation across sites may suggest opportunities for improvements in efficiency, or may reflect variation in facility type and patient volume. There may also be scope for improvements in allocative efficiency; we estimated a 28% reduction in the total resources required to meet Guyana's 2020 targets if funds had been optimally distributed to minimize infections and deaths. CONCLUSIONS We provide the first estimates of costs along the HIV cascade in the Caribbean and assessed efficiencies using novel context-specific data on the costs associated with diagnostic, treatment, and viral suppression. The findings call for better targeting of services, and efficient service delivery models and resource allocation, while scaling up HIV services to maximize investment impact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chutima Suraratdecha
- Division of Global HIV and TB, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Robyn M. Stuart
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | | | | | - Nadia Liu
- Ministry of Public Health, Georgetown, Guyana
| | - David P. Wilson
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, University of Maryland, Baltimore, United States of America
| | - Rachel Albalak
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Caribbean Region Office, Barbados, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Yigezu A, Alemayehu S, Hamusse SD, Ergeta GT, Hailemariam D, Hailu A. Cost-effectiveness of facility-based, stand-alone and mobile-based voluntary counseling and testing for HIV in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. COST EFFECTIVENESS AND RESOURCE ALLOCATION 2020; 18:34. [PMID: 32944006 PMCID: PMC7488732 DOI: 10.1186/s12962-020-00231-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, there is a consensus to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030, and one of the strategies to achieve this target is that 90% of people living with HIV should know their HIV status. Even if there is strong evidence of clients' preference for testing in the community, HIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) continue to be undertaken predominantly in health facilities. Hence, empirical cost-effectiveness evidence about different HIV counseling and testing models is essential to inform whether such community-based testing are justifiable compared with additional resources required. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of facility-based, stand-alone and mobile-based HIV voluntary counseling and testing methods in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS Annual economic costs of counseling and testing methods were collected from the providers' perspective from July 2016 to June 2017. Ingredients based bottom-up costing approach was applied. The effectiveness of the interventions was measured in terms of the number of HIV seropositive clients identified. Decision tree modeling was built using TreeAge Pro 2018 software, and one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted by varying HIV positivity rate, costs, and probabilities. RESULTS The cost of test per client for facility-based, stand-alone and mobile-based VCT was $5.06, $6.55 and $3.35, respectively. The unit costs of test per HIV seropositive client for the corresponding models were $158.82, $150.97 and $135.82, respectively. Of the three models, stand-alone-based VCT was extendedly dominated. Mobile-based VCT costs, an additional cost of USD 239 for every HIV positive client identified when compared to facility-based VCT. CONCLUSION Using a mobile-based VCT approach costs less than both the facility-based and stand-alone approaches, in terms of both unit cost per tested individual and unit cost per HIV seropositive cases identified. The stand-alone VCT approach was not cost-effective compared to facility-based and mobile-based VCT. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for mobile-based VCT compared with facility-based VCT was USD 239 per HIV positive case.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanuel Yigezu
- School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | - Getachew Teshome Ergeta
- Bergen Center for Ethics and Priority Setting, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Damen Hailemariam
- School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Alemayehu Hailu
- School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Bergen Center for Ethics and Priority Setting, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Nichols BE, Offorjebe OA, Cele R, Shaba F, Balakasi K, Chivwara M, Hoffman RM, Long LC, Rosen S, Dovel K. Economic evaluation of facility-based HIV self-testing among adult outpatients in Malawi. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23:e25612. [PMID: 32909387 PMCID: PMC7507468 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV self-testing (HIVST) in outpatient departments (OPD) is a promising strategy for HIV testing in Malawi, given high OPD patient volumes and substantial wait times. To evaluate the relative cost and expected impact of facility-based HIVST (FB-HIVST) at OPDs in Malawi for increasing HIV status awareness, we conducted an economic evaluation of an HIVST cluster-randomized controlled trial. METHODS A cluster-randomized trial was conducted at 15 sites in Malawi from September 2017 to February 2018 with three arms: 1) Standard provider-initiated-testing-and-counselling (PITC); 2) Optimized PITC (additional provider training and job-aids) and 3) FB-HIVST (HIVST demonstration, distribution and kit use in OPD, private kit interpretation and optional HIV counselling). The total production cost per newly identified positive and per person newly initiated on ART were calculated by study arm. These were calculated as the total cost of testing everyone divided by the number of newly identified positives; and the total cost of testing everyone divided by the number of those initiated on ART. Cost-outcomes were calculated under three cost scenarios: (1) full study costs, (2) routine implementation costs and (3) routine implementation + reduced cost for HIVST kits. RESULTS The average cost per person newly diagnosed in the full study cost scenario was $101, $156 and $189, and cost per person initiated on ART was $121, $156 and $279 for Standard PITC, Optimized PITC and FB-HIVST respectively. In the routine implementation cost scenario, the average cost per person newly diagnosed was reduced to $83, and $93, and cost per person initiated on ART to $83, and $137 for Optimized PITC and FB-HIVST respectively. In the negotiated HIVST cost scenario, the average cost per person newly diagnosed was reduced to $55 and cost per person newly initiated on ART reduced to $81 in the FB-HIVST arm. CONCLUSIONS While the cost per new ART initiation through FB-HIVST was higher than Standard PITC, FB-HIVST could become cost-saving compared to PITC if the cost of kits is reduced or if treatment linkage rate were increased in the FB-HIVST arm. For high volume OPDs, HIVST may increase facility capacity and increase the number of newly diagnosed positives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brooke E Nichols
- Department of Global HealthSchool of Public HealthBoston UniversityBostonMAUSA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - O Agatha Offorjebe
- David Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of California Los AngelesLos AngelesCAUSA
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and ScienceLos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Refiloe Cele
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | | | | | | | - Risa M Hoffman
- Partners in HopeLilongweMalawi
- Division of Infectious DiseasesDepartment of MedicineUniversity of California Los AngelesLos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Lawrence C Long
- Department of Global HealthSchool of Public HealthBoston UniversityBostonMAUSA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Sydney Rosen
- Department of Global HealthSchool of Public HealthBoston UniversityBostonMAUSA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Kathryn Dovel
- Partners in HopeLilongweMalawi
- Division of Infectious DiseasesDepartment of MedicineUniversity of California Los AngelesLos AngelesCAUSA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Vyas S, Songo J, Guinness L, Dube A, Geis S, Kalua T, Todd J, Renju J, Crampin A, Wringe A. Assessing the costs and efficiency of HIV testing and treatment services in rural Malawi: implications for future "test and start" strategies. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:740. [PMID: 32787835 PMCID: PMC7422472 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05446-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reaching the 90-90-90 targets requires efficient resource use to deliver HIV testing and treatment services. We investigated the costs and efficiency of HIV services in relation to HIV testing yield in rural Karonga District, Malawi. METHODS Costs of HIV services were measured over 12 months to September 2017 in five health facilities, drawing on recognised health costing principles. Financial and economic costs were collected in Malawi Kwacha and United States Dollars (US$). Costs were calculated using a provider perspective to estimate average annual costs (2017 US$) per HIV testing episode, per HIV-positive case diagnosed, and per patient-year on antiretroviral therapy (ART), by facility. Costs were assessed in relation to scale of operation and facility-level annual HIV positivity rate. A one-way sensitivity analysis was undertaken to understand how staffing levels and the HIV positivity rate affected HIV testing costs. RESULTS HIV testing episodes per day and per full-time equivalent HIV health worker averaged 3.3 (range 2.0 to 5.7). The HIV positivity rate averaged 2.4% (range 1.9 to 3.7%). The average cost per testing episode was US$2.85 (range US$1.95 to US$8.55), and the average cost per HIV diagnosis was US$116.35 (range US$77.42 to US$234.11), with the highest costs found in facilities with the lowest daily number of tests and lowest HIV yield respectively. The mean facility-level cost per patient-year on ART was approximately US$100 (range US$90.67 to US$115.42). ART drugs were the largest cost component averaging 71% (range 55 to 76%). The cost per patient-year of viral load tests averaged US$4.50 (range US$0.52 to US$7.00) with cost variation reflecting differences in the tests to ART patient ratio across facilities. CONCLUSION Greater efficiencies in HIV service delivery are possible in Karonga through increasing daily testing episodes among existing health workers or allocating health workers to tasks in addition to testing. Costs per diagnosis will increase as yields decline, and therefore, encouraging targeted testing strategies that increase yield will be more efficient. Given the contribution of drug costs to per patient-year treatment costs, it is critical to preserve the life-span of first-line ART regimens, underlining the need for continuing adherence support and regular viral load monitoring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seema Vyas
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT UK
| | - John Songo
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Albert Dube
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Steffen Geis
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT UK
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Philipps University Margburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Thokozani Kalua
- Department of HIV and AIDS, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Jim Todd
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT UK
| | - Jenny Renju
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT UK
| | - Amelia Crampin
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT UK
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Alison Wringe
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT UK
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Dovel K, Shaba F, Offorjebe OA, Balakasi K, Nyirenda M, Phiri K, Gupta SK, Wong V, Tseng CH, Nichols BE, Cele R, Lungu E, Masina T, Coates TJ, Hoffman RM. Effect of facility-based HIV self-testing on uptake of testing among outpatients in Malawi: a cluster-randomised trial. LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2020; 8:e276-e287. [PMID: 31981557 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(19)30534-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV self-testing increases testing uptake in sub-Saharan Africa but scale-up is challenging because of resource constraints. We evaluated an HIV self-testing intervention integrated into high-burden outpatient departments in Malawi. METHODS In this cluster-randomised trial, we recruited participants aged 15 years or older from 15 outpatient departments at high-burden health facilities (including health centres, mission hospitals, and district hospitals) in central and southern Malawi. The trial was clustered at the health facility level. We used constrained randomisation to allocate each cluster (1:1:1) to one of the following groups: standard provider-initiated testing and counselling with no intervention (provider offered during consultations), optimised provider-initiated testing and counselling (with additional provider training and morning HIV testing), and facility-based HIV self-testing (Oraquick HIV self-test, group demonstration and distribution, and private spaces for interpretation and counselling). The primary outcome was the proportion of outpatients tested for HIV on the day of enrolment, measured through exit surveys with a sample of outpatients. Analyses were on an intention-to-treat basis. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03271307, and Pan African Clinical Trials, PACTR201711002697316. FINDINGS Between Sept 12, 2017, and Feb 23, 2018, 5885 outpatients completed an exit survey-2097 in the HIV self-testing group, 1951 in the standard provider-initiated testing and counselling group, and 1837 in the optimised provider-initiated testing and counselling group. 1063 (51%) of 2097 patients in the HIV self-testing group had HIV testing on the same day as enrolment, compared with 248 (13%) of 1951 in the standard provider-initiated testing and counselling group and 261 (14%) of 1837 in the optimised provider-initiated testing and counselling group. The odds of same-day HIV testing were significantly higher in the facility-based HIV self-testing group compared with either standard provider-initiated testing and counselling (adjusted odds ratio 8·52, 95% CI 3·98-18·24) or optimised provider-initiated testing and counselling (6·29, 2·96-13·38). Around 4% of those tested in the standard provider-initiated testing and counselling and optimised provider-initiated testing and counselling groups felt coerced to test, and around 1% felt coerced to share test results. No coercion was reported in the facility-based HIV self-testing group. INTERPRETATION Facility-based HIV self-testing increased HIV testing among outpatients in Malawi, with a minimal risk of adverse events. Facility-based HIV self-testing should be considered for scale-up in settings with a high unmet need for HIV testing. FUNDING United States Agency for International Development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Dovel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Partners in Hope, Lilongwe, Malawi.
| | | | - O Agatha Offorjebe
- Department of Medicine and David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; School of Medicine, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Sundeep K Gupta
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Chi-Hong Tseng
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Brooke E Nichols
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Refiloe Cele
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Tobias Masina
- Malawi Ministry of Health, HIV/AIDS Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Thomas J Coates
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Risa M Hoffman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Mwango LK, Stafford KA, Blanco NC, Lavoie M, Mujansi M, Nyirongo N, Tembo K, Sakala H, Chipukuma J, Phiri B, Nzangwa C, Mwandila S, Nkwemu KC, Saadani A, Mwila A, Herce ME, Claassen CW. Index and targeted community-based testing to optimize HIV case finding and ART linkage among men in Zambia. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23 Suppl 2:e25520. [PMID: 32589360 PMCID: PMC7319128 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Current healthcare systems fail to provide adequate HIV services to men. In Zambia, 25% of adult men living with HIV were unaware of their HIV status in 2018, and 12% of those who were unaware of their HIV statu were not receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) due to pervasive barriers to HIV testing services (HTS) and linkage to ART. To identify men and key and priority populations living with HIV in Zambia, and link them to care and treatment, we implemented the Community Impact to Reach Key and Underserved Individuals for Treatment and Support (CIRKUITS) project. We present HTS and ART linkage results from the first year of CIRKUITS. METHODS CIRKUITS aimed to reach beneficiaries by training, mentoring, and deploying community health workers to provide index testing services and targeted community HTS. Community leaders and workplace supervisors were engaged to enable workplace HTS for men. To evaluate the effects of these interventions, we collected age- and sex-disaggregated routinely collected programme data for the first 12 months of the project (October 2018 to September 2019) across 37 CIRKUITS-supported facilities in three provinces. We performed descriptive statistics and estimated index cascades for indicators of interest, and used Chi square tests to compare indicators by age, sex, and district strata. RESULTS Over 12 months, CIRKUITS tested 38,255 persons for HIV, identifying 10,974 (29%) new people living with HIV, of whom 10,239 (93%) were linked to ART. Among men, CIRKUITS tested 18,336 clients and identified 4458 (24%) as HIV positive, linked 4132 (93%) to ART. Men who tested HIV negative were referred to preventative services. Of the men found HIV positive, and 13.0% were aged 15 to 24 years, 60.3% were aged 25 to 39, 20.9% were aged 40 to 49 and 5.8% were ≥50 years old. Index testing services identified 2186 (49%) of HIV-positive men, with a positivity yield of 40% and linkage of 88%. Targeted community testing modalities accounted for 2272 (51%) of HIV-positive men identified, with positivity yield of 17% and linkage of 97%. CONCLUSIONS Index testing and targeted community-based HTS are effective strategies to identify men living with HIV in Zambia. Index testing results in higher yield, but lower linkage and fewer absolute men identified compared to targeted community-based HTS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linah K Mwango
- Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation ZambiaLusakaZambia
| | - Kristen A Stafford
- Center for International Health, Education, and BiosecurityUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
- Institute of Human VirologyUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
- Department of Epidemiology and Public HealthUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Natalia C Blanco
- Center for International Health, Education, and BiosecurityUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
- Institute of Human VirologyUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Marie‐Claude Lavoie
- Center for International Health, Education, and BiosecurityUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
- Institute of Human VirologyUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Morley Mujansi
- Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation ZambiaLusakaZambia
| | - Nasho Nyirongo
- Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation ZambiaLusakaZambia
| | - Kalima Tembo
- Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation ZambiaLusakaZambia
| | - Henry Sakala
- Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation ZambiaLusakaZambia
| | | | - Beauty Phiri
- Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation ZambiaLusakaZambia
| | - Carol Nzangwa
- Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation ZambiaLusakaZambia
| | - Susan Mwandila
- Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation ZambiaLusakaZambia
| | | | - Ahmed Saadani
- U.S. Center for Disease Control and PreventionLusakaZambia
| | - Annie Mwila
- U.S. Center for Disease Control and PreventionLusakaZambia
| | - Michael E Herce
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious DiseasesUniversity of North Carolina School of MedicineChapel HillNCUSA
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ)LusakaZambia
| | - Cassidy W Claassen
- Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation ZambiaLusakaZambia
- Center for International Health, Education, and BiosecurityUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
- Institute of Human VirologyUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Luwanda LB, Vyas S, Songo J, Chimukuche RS, McLean E, Hassan F, Schouten E, Todd J, Geubbels E, Wringe A, Renju J. Assessing the implementation of facility-based HIV testing policies in Malawi, South Africa and Tanzania from 2013–2018: Findings from SHAPE-UTT study. Glob Public Health 2020; 16:241-255. [DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2020.1763420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Seema Vyas
- Department of Population Studies, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - John Songo
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Karonga, Malawi
| | | | - Estelle McLean
- Department of Population Studies, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | - Jim Todd
- Department of Population Studies, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Alison Wringe
- Department of Population Studies, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jenny Renju
- Department of Population Studies, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Brief Report: Diagnostic Accuracy of Oral Mucosal Transudate Tests Compared with Blood-Based Rapid Tests for HIV Among Children Aged 18 Months to 18 Years in Kenya and Zimbabwe. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2020; 82:368-372. [PMID: 31425318 PMCID: PMC6830960 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Gaps persist in HIV testing for children who were not tested in prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission programs. Oral mucosal transudate (OMT) rapid HIV tests have been shown to be highly sensitive in adults, but their performance has not been established in children.
Collapse
|
33
|
Pineda-Antunez C, Martinez-Silva G, Cerecero-Garcia D, Alexander L, Cameron DB, Chiwevu C, Dandona L, Obure CD, Forsythe S, Nguyen VT, Settumba S, Tchuenche M, Van Minh H, Kahn JG, Gomez G, Sweeney S, Vassall A, Bollinger L, Levin C, Bautista-Arredondo S. Meta-analysis of average costs of HIV testing and counselling and voluntary medical male circumcision across thirteen countries. AJAR-AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH 2020; 18:341-349. [PMID: 31779565 DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2019.1679850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Explore facility-level average costs per client of HIV testing and counselling (HTC) and voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) services in 13 countries.Methods: Through a literature search we identified studies that reported facility-level costs of HTC or VMMC programmes. We requested the primary data from authors and standardised the disparate data sources to make them comparable. We then conducted descriptive statistics and a meta-analysis to assess the cost variation among facilities. All costs were converted to 2017 US dollars ($).Results: We gathered data from 14 studies across 13 countries and 772 facilities (552 HTC, 220 VMMC). The weighted average unit cost per client served was $15 (95% CI 12, 18) for HTC and $59 (95% CI 45, 74) for VMMC. On average, 38% of the mean unit cost for HTC corresponded to recurrent costs, 56% to personnel costs, and 6% to capital costs. For VMMC, 41% of the average unit cost corresponded to recurrent costs, 55% to personnel costs, and 4% to capital costs. We observed unit cost variation within and between countries, and lower costs in higher scale categories in all interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Pineda-Antunez
- Center for Health Systems Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Gisela Martinez-Silva
- Center for Health Systems Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Diego Cerecero-Garcia
- Center for Health Systems Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Lily Alexander
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Drew B Cameron
- Health Policy and Management, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, USA
| | - Chris Chiwevu
- Center for Population Health Sciences, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Lalit Dandona
- Public Health Foundation of India, Gurugram, National Capital Region, India
| | - Carol Dayo Obure
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | - Stella Settumba
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Hoang Van Minh
- Center for Population Health Sciences, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - James G Kahn
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Gabriela Gomez
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sedona Sweeney
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Anna Vassall
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Carol Levin
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
A method for measuring spatial effects on socioeconomic inequalities using the concentration index. Int J Equity Health 2020; 19:9. [PMID: 31937314 PMCID: PMC6958664 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-019-1080-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although spatial effects contribute to inequalities in health care service utilisation and other health outcomes in low and middle income countries, there have been no attempts to incorporate the impact of neighbourhood effects into equity analyses based on concentration indices. This study aimed to decompose and estimate the contribution of spatial effects on inequalities in uptake of HIV tests in Malawi. METHODS We developed a new method of reflecting spatial effects within the concentration index using a spatial weight matrix. Spatial autocorrelation is presented using a spatial lag model. We use data from the Malawi Demographic Health Survey (n = 24,562) to illustrate the new methodology. Need variables such as 'Any STI last 12 month', 'Genital sore/ulcer', 'Genital discharge' and non need variables such as Education, Literacy, Wealth, Marriage, and education were used in the concentration index. Using our modified concentration index that incorporates spatial effects, we estimate inequalities in uptake of HIV testing amongst both women and men living in Malawi in 2015-2016, controlling for need and non-need variables. RESULTS For women, inequalities due to need variables were estimated at - 0.001 and - 0.0009 (pro-poor) using the probit and new spatial probit estimators, respectively, whereas inequalities due to non-need variables were estimated at 0.01 and 0.0068 (pro-rich) using the probit and new spatial probit estimators. The results suggest that spatial effects increase estimated inequalities in HIV uptake amongst women. Horizontal inequity was almost identical (0.0103 vs 0.0102) after applying the spatial lag model. For men, inequalities due to need variables were estimated at - 0.0002 using both the probit and new spatial probit estimators; however, inequalities due to non-need variables were estimated at - 0.006 and - 0.0074 for the probit and new spatial probit models. Horizontal inequity was the same for both models (- 0.0057). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that men from lower socioeconomic groups are more likely to receive an HIV test after adjustment for spatial effects. This study develops a novel methodological approach that incorporates estimation of spatial effects into a common approach to equity analysis. We find that a significant component of inequalities in HIV uptake in Malawi driven by non-need factors can be explained by spatial effects. When the spatial model was applied, the inequality due to non need in Lilongwe for men and horizontal inequity in Salima for women changed the sign. This approach can be used to explore inequalities in other contexts and settings to better understand the impact of spatial effects on health service use or other health outcomes, impacting on recommendations for service delivery.
Collapse
|
35
|
Indravudh PP, Fielding K, Kumwenda MK, Nzawa R, Chilongosi R, Desmond N, Nyirenda R, Johnson CC, Baggaley RC, Hatzold K, Terris-Prestholt F, Corbett EL. Community-led delivery of HIV self-testing to improve HIV testing, ART initiation and broader social outcomes in rural Malawi: study protocol for a cluster-randomised trial. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:814. [PMID: 31533646 PMCID: PMC6751650 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4430-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prevention of new HIV infections is a critical public health issue. The highest HIV testing gaps are in men, adolescents 15-19 years old, and adults 40 years and older. Community-based HIV testing services (HTS) can contribute to increased testing coverage and early HIV diagnosis, with HIV self-testing (HIVST) strategies showing promise. Community-based strategies, however, are resource intensive, costly and not widely implemented. A community-led approach to health interventions involves supporting communities to plan and implement solutions to improve their health. This trial aims to determine if community-led delivery of HIVST can improve HIV testing uptake, ART initiation, and broader social outcomes in rural Malawi. METHODS The trial uses a parallel arm, cluster-randomised design with group village heads (GVH) and their defined catchment areas randomised (1:1) to community-led HIVST or continue with the standard of the care (SOC). As part of the intervention, informal community health cadres are supported to plan and implement a seven-day HIVST campaign linked to HIV treatment and prevention. Approximately 12 months after the initial campaign, intervention GVHs are randomised to lead a repeat HIVST campaign. The primary outcome includes the proportion of adolescents 15-19 years old who have tested for HIV in their lifetime. Secondary outcomes include recent testing in adults 40 years and older and men; ART initiation; knowledge of HIV prevention; and HIV testing stigma. Outcomes will be measured through cross-sectional surveys and clinic registers. Economic evaluation will determine the cost per person tested, cost per person diagnosed, and incremental cost effectiveness ratio. DISCUSSION To the best of our knowledge, this is the first trial to assess the effectiveness of community-led HTS, which has only recently been enabled by the introduction of HIVST. Community-led delivery of HIVST is a promising new strategy for providing periodic HIV testing to support HIV prevention in rural communities. Further, introduction of HIVST through a community-led framework seems particularly apt, with control over healthcare concurrently devolved to individuals and communities. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov registry ( NCT03541382 ) registered 30 May 2018.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pitchaya P. Indravudh
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Katherine Fielding
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Moses K. Kumwenda
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Rebecca Nzawa
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Nicola Desmond
- Clinical Sciences Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rose Nyirenda
- Department of HIV and AIDS, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Cheryl C. Johnson
- Department of HIV/AIDS, World Health Organisation, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Karin Hatzold
- Population Services International, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Fern Terris-Prestholt
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth L. Corbett
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Phillips AN, Cambiano V, Nakagawa F, Bansi‐Matharu L, Wilson D, Jani I, Apollo T, Sculpher M, Hallett T, Kerr C, van Oosterhout JJ, Eaton JW, Estill J, Williams B, Doi N, Cowan F, Keiser O, Ford D, Hatzold K, Barnabas R, Ayles H, Meyer‐Rath G, Nelson L, Johnson C, Baggaley R, Fakoya A, Jahn A, Revill P. Cost-per-diagnosis as a metric for monitoring cost-effectiveness of HIV testing programmes in low-income settings in southern Africa: health economic and modelling analysis. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22:e25325. [PMID: 31287620 PMCID: PMC6615491 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As prevalence of undiagnosed HIV declines, it is unclear whether testing programmes will be cost-effective. To guide their HIV testing programmes, countries require appropriate metrics that can be measured. The cost-per-diagnosis is potentially a useful metric. METHODS We simulated a series of setting-scenarios for adult HIV epidemics and ART programmes typical of settings in southern Africa using an individual-based model and projected forward from 2018 under two policies: (i) a minimum package of "core" testing (i.e. testing in pregnant women, for diagnosis of symptoms, in sex workers, and in men coming forward for circumcision) is conducted, and (ii) core-testing as above plus additional testing beyond this ("additional-testing"), for which we specify different rates of testing and various degrees to which those with HIV are more likely to test than those without HIV. We also considered a plausible range of unit test costs. The aim was to assess the relationship between cost-per-diagnosis and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of the additional-testing policy. The discount rate used in the base case was 3% per annum (costs in 2018 U.S. dollars). RESULTS There was a strong graded relationship between the cost-per-diagnosis and the ICER. Overall, the ICER was below $500 per-DALY-averted (the cost-effectiveness threshold used in primary analysis) so long as the cost-per-diagnosis was below $315. This threshold cost-per-diagnosis was similar according to epidemic and programmatic features including the prevalence of undiagnosed HIV, the HIV incidence and a measure of HIV programme quality (the proportion of HIV diagnosed people having a viral load <1000 copies/mL). However, restricting to women, additional-testing did not appear cost-effective even at a cost-per-diagnosis of below $50, while restricting to men additional-testing was cost-effective up to a cost-per-diagnosis of $585. The threshold cost per diagnosis for testing in men to be cost-effective fell to $256 when the cost-effectiveness threshold was $300 instead of $500, and to $81 when considering a discount rate of 10% per annum. CONCLUSIONS For testing programmes in low-income settings in southern African there is an extremely strong relationship between the cost-per-diagnosis and the cost-per-DALY averted, indicating that the cost-per-diagnosis can be used to monitor the cost-effectiveness of testing programmes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ilesh Jani
- National Institute of HealthMaputoMozambique
| | | | | | - Timothy Hallett
- Department of Infectious Disease EpidemiologyImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Cliff Kerr
- Burnet InstituteMelbourneAustralia
- University of SydneySydneyAustralia
| | | | - Jeffrey W Eaton
- Department of Infectious Disease EpidemiologyImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Janne Estill
- Institute of Global HealthUniversity of GenevaGenevaSwitzerland
- Institute of Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial ScienceUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
| | | | - Naoko Doi
- Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)NYUSA
| | - Frances Cowan
- CeSHHARHarareZimbabwe
- Liverpool School of Tropical MedicineLiverpoolUK
| | - Olivia Keiser
- Institute of Global HealthUniversity of GenevaGenevaSwitzerland
| | | | | | | | | | - Gesine Meyer‐Rath
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
- Department for Global HealthBoston UniversityBostonMAUSA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Paul Revill
- Centre for Health EconomicsUniversity of YorkYorkUK
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Shaba F, Offorjebe OA, Phiri K, Lungu E, Kalande P, Nyirenda M, Hoffman RM, Gupta S, Dovel K. Perceived Acceptability of a Facility-Based HIV Self-Test Intervention in Outpatient Waiting Spaces Among Adult Outpatients in Malawi: A Formative Study. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2019; 81:e92-e94. [PMID: 31194705 PMCID: PMC10947243 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background: Facility-based HIVST offered to outpatients in clinic waiting spaces provides an ideal opportunity to take HIVST to scale in low-resource settings. We explore if outpatients are willing to use HIVST kits in outpatient waiting spaces before they receive routine services in Malawi. Methods: A formative qualitative study was conducted to inform the design of a multi-arm clustered randomized trial. In-depth interviews were conducted with 36 adults (≥ 15 years) seeking outpatient services at five high-burden health facilities in Central and Southern Malawi. Outpatients were purposively sampled on the day of clinic visit. Before the interview, research staff described a hypothetical facility-based HIVST intervention. Data were analyzed using constant comparison analyses. Findings: The vast majority of respondents believed facility-based HIVST in outpatient waiting spaces was acceptable and desired, especially among men. Participants believed the strategy may decrease potential stigma associated with testing due to an opt-out approach, and may increase clients’ willingness to test again in the near future because it will help overcome fears related to an unknown HIV test result. The strategy was also seen as confidential and convenient. A minority of clients believed private spaces for conducting HIVST in facilities were needed. Conclusion: Facility-based HIVST in outpatient waiting spaces is acceptable and desired among adult outpatients in Malawi. Notably, few respondents were concerned about lack of privacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - O. Agatha Offorjebe
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- School of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | | | | | | | | | - Risa M. Hoffman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sundeep Gupta
- Partners in Hope, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Kathryn Dovel
- Partners in Hope, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Cambiano V, Johnson CC, Hatzold K, Terris‐Prestholt F, Maheswaran H, Thirumurthy H, Figueroa C, Cowan FM, Sibanda EL, Ncube G, Revill P, Baggaley RC, Corbett EL, Phillips A. The impact and cost-effectiveness of community-based HIV self-testing in sub-Saharan Africa: a health economic and modelling analysis. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22 Suppl 1:e25243. [PMID: 30907498 PMCID: PMC6432108 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The prevalence of undiagnosed HIV is declining in Africa, and various HIV testing approaches are finding lower positivity rates. In this context, the epidemiological impact and cost-effectiveness of community-based HIV self-testing (CB-HIVST) is unclear. We aimed to assess this in different sub-populations and across scenarios characterized by different adult HIV prevalence and antiretroviral treatment programmes in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS The synthesis model was used to address this aim. Three sub-populations were considered for CB-HIVST: (i) women having transactional sex (WTS); (ii) young people (15 to 24 years); and (iii) adult men (25 to 49 years). We assumed uptake of CB-HIVST similar to that reported in epidemiological studies (base case), or assumed people use CB-HIVST only if exposed to risk (condomless sex) since last HIV test. We also considered a five-year time-limited CB-HIVST programme. Cost-effectiveness was defined by an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER; cost-per-disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) averted) below US$500 over a time horizon of 50 years. The efficiency of targeted CB-HIVST was evaluated using the number of additional tests per infection or death averted. RESULTS In the base case, targeting adult men with CB-HIVST offered the greatest impact, averting 1500 HIV infections and 520 deaths per year in the context of a simulated country with nine million adults, and impact could be enhanced by linkage to voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC). However, the approach was only cost-effective if the programme was limited to five years or the undiagnosed prevalence was above 3%. CB-HIVST to WTS was the most cost-effective. The main drivers of cost-effectiveness were the cost of CB-HIVST and the prevalence of undiagnosed HIV. All other CB-HIVST scenarios had an ICER above US$500 per DALY averted. CONCLUSIONS CB-HIVST showed an important epidemiological impact. To maximize population health within a fixed budget, CB-HIVST needs to be targeted on the basis of the prevalence of undiagnosed HIV, sub-population and the overall costs of delivering this testing modality. Linkage to VMMC enhances its cost-effectiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Cambiano
- Institute for Global HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | | | | | - Fern Terris‐Prestholt
- Department of Global Health and DevelopmentLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Hendy Maheswaran
- Institute of Psychology, Health and SocietyUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUnited Kingdom
| | - Harsha Thirumurthy
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health PolicyPerelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | | | - Frances M Cowan
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV AIDS Research (CeSHHAR)HarareZimbabwe
- Liverpool School of Tropical MedicineLiverpoolUnited Kingdom
| | - Euphemia L Sibanda
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV AIDS Research (CeSHHAR)HarareZimbabwe
- Liverpool School of Tropical MedicineLiverpoolUnited Kingdom
| | - Getrude Ncube
- Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child CareHarareZimbabwe
| | - Paul Revill
- Centre for Health EconomicsUniversity of YorkYorkUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Elizabeth L Corbett
- Malawi–Liverpool–Wellcome Trust Clinical Research ProgrammeBlantyreMalawi
- Department of Clinical ResearchLondon School of Hygiene& Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Andrew Phillips
- Institute for Global HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Mangenah C, Mwenge L, Sande L, Ahmed N, d'Elbée M, Chiwawa P, Chigwenah T, Kanema S, Mutseta MN, Nalubamba M, Chilongosi R, Indravudh P, Sibanda EL, Neuman M, Ncube G, Ong JJ, Mugurungi O, Hatzold K, Johnson CC, Ayles H, Corbett EL, Cowan FM, Maheswaran H, Terris‐Prestholt F. Economic cost analysis of door-to-door community-based distribution of HIV self-test kits in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22 Suppl 1:e25255. [PMID: 30907499 PMCID: PMC6432106 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV self-testing (HIVST) is recommended by the World Health Organization in addition to other testing modalities to increase uptake of HIV testing, particularly among harder-to-reach populations. This study provides the first empirical evidence of the costs of door-to-door community-based HIVST distribution in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. METHODS HIVST kits were distributed door-to-door in 71 sites across Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe from June 2016 to May 2017. Programme expenditures, supplemented by on-site observation and monitoring and evaluation data were used to estimate total economic and unit costs of HIVST distribution, by input and site. Inputs were categorized into start-up, capital and recurrent costs. Sensitivity and scenario analyses were performed to assess the impact of key parameters on unit costs. RESULTS In total, 152,671, 103,589 and 93,459 HIVST kits were distributed in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe over 12, 11 and 10 months respectively. Across these countries, 43% to 51% of HIVST kits were distributed to men. The average cost per HIVST kit distributed was US$8.15, US$16.42 and US$13.84 in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe, respectively, with pronounced intersite variation within countries driven largely by site-level fixed costs. Site-level recurrent costs were 70% to 92% of full costs and 20% to 62% higher than routine HIV testing services (HTS) costs. Personnel costs contributed from 26% to 52% of total costs across countries reflecting differences in remuneration approaches and country GDP. CONCLUSIONS These early door-to-door community HIVST distribution programmes show large potential, both for reaching untested populations and for substantial economies of scale as HIVST programmes scale-up and mature. From a societal perspective, the costs of HIVST appear similar to conventional HTS, with the higher providers' costs substantially offsetting user costs. Future approaches to minimizing cost and/or maximize testing coverage could include unpaid door-to-door community-led distribution to reach end-users and integrating HIVST into routine clinical services via direct or secondary distribution strategies with lower fixed costs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Linda Sande
- Malawi‐Liverpool‐Wellcome Trust Clinical Research ProgrammeBlantyreMalawi
- Faculty of Public Health and PolicyLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Nurilign Ahmed
- Faculty of Public Health and PolicyLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Marc d'Elbée
- Faculty of Public Health and PolicyLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Pitchaya Indravudh
- Malawi‐Liverpool‐Wellcome Trust Clinical Research ProgrammeBlantyreMalawi
- Faculty of Public Health and PolicyLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Euphemia L Sibanda
- Centre for Sexual HealthHIV and AIDS ResearchHarareZimbabwe
- Liverpool School of Tropical MedicineLiverpoolUK
| | | | | | - Jason J Ong
- Faculty of Public Health and PolicyLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical DiseasesLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | | | | | - Cheryl C Johnson
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical DiseasesLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
- Department of HIV/AIDSWorld Health OrganizationGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Helen Ayles
- ZambartLusakaZambia
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical DiseasesLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Elizabeth L Corbett
- Malawi‐Liverpool‐Wellcome Trust Clinical Research ProgrammeBlantyreMalawi
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical DiseasesLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Frances M Cowan
- Centre for Sexual HealthHIV and AIDS ResearchHarareZimbabwe
- Liverpool School of Tropical MedicineLiverpoolUK
| | | | - Fern Terris‐Prestholt
- Faculty of Public Health and PolicyLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Sande L, Maheswaran H, Mangenah C, Mwenge L, Indravudh P, Mkandawire P, Ahmed N, d’Elbee M, Johnson C, Hatzold K, Corbett EL, Neuman M, Terris-Prestholt F. Costs of accessing HIV testing services among rural Malawi communities. AIDS Care 2018. [PMCID: PMC6050712 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2018.1479032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
HIV testing is free in Malawi, but users may still incur costs that can deter or delay them accessing these services. We sought to identify and quantify these costs among HIV testing service clients in Malawi. We asked residents of communities participating in a cluster randomised trial investigating the impact of HIV self-testing about their past HIV testing experiences and the direct non-medical and indirect costs incurred to access HIV testing. We recruited 749 participants whose most recent HIV test was within the past 12 months. The mean total cost to access testing was US$2.45 (95%CI: US$2.11–US$2.70). Men incurred higher costs (US$3.81; 95%CI: US$2.91–US$4.50) than women (US$1.83; 95%CI: US$1.61–US$2.00). Results from a two-part multivariable regression analysis suggest that age, testing location, time taken to test, visiting a facility specifically for an HIV test and district of residence significantly affected the odds of incurring costs to testing. In addition, gender, wealth, age, education and district of residence were associated with significant user costs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Sande
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Collin Mangenah
- The Centre for Sexual Health and HIV AIDS Research (CeSHHAR), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Pitchaya Indravudh
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Nurilign Ahmed
- Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Marc d’Elbee
- Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Cheryl Johnson
- Department of HIV/AIDS, World Health Organisation, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Elizabeth L. Corbett
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Melissa Neuman
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Fern Terris-Prestholt
- Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|