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Towards Canine Rabies Elimination in South‐Eastern Tanzania: Assessment of Health Economic Data
Author(s) -
Hatch B.,
Anderson A.,
Sambo M.,
Maziku M.,
Mchau G.,
Mbunda E.,
Mtema Z.,
Rupprecht C. E.,
Shwiff S. A.,
Nel L.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
transboundary and emerging diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.392
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1865-1682
pISSN - 1865-1674
DOI - 10.1111/tbed.12463
Subject(s) - rabies , tanzania , vaccination , zoonosis , medicine , environmental health , rabies vaccine , veterinary medicine , post exposure prophylaxis , socioeconomics , rabies virus , virology , economics
Summary An estimated 59 000 people die annually from rabies, keeping this zoonosis on the forefront of neglected diseases, especially in the developing world. Most deaths occur after being bitten by a rabid dog. Those exposed to a suspect rabid animal should receive appropriate post‐exposure prophylaxis ( PEP ) or risk death. However, vaccination of dogs to control and eliminate canine rabies at the source has been implemented in many places around the world. Here, we analysed the vaccination and cost data for one such campaign in the area surrounding and including Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and estimated the cost per dog vaccinated. We also estimated the cost of human PEP . We found that the cost per dog vaccinated ranged from $2.50 to $22.49 across districts and phases, with the phase average ranging from $7.30 to $11.27. These figures were influenced by over purchase of vaccine in the early phases of the programme and the significant costs associated with purchasing equipment for a programme starting from scratch. The cost per human PEP course administered was approximately $24.41, with the average patient receiving 2.5 of the recommended four vaccine doses per suspect bite. This study provides valuable financial insights into programme managers and policymakers working towards rabies elimination.