Paying to waste lives: the affordability of reducing mother-to-child transmission of HIV in South Africa

Skordis, J.; Nattrass, N.

Journal of Health Economics 21(3): 405-421

2002


ISSN/ISBN: 0167-6296
PMID: 12022266
DOI: 10.1016/s0167-6296(01)00133-3
Document Number: 239843
It is estimated that each HIV-positive child in South Africa costs the government more in terms of health and welfare expenses than it does to reduce mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV through the use of antiretroviral regimens (where the mother continues to breast-feed). Programmes to reduce MTCT of HIV/AIDS are, thus, clearly affordable. Using Nevirapine (according to the HIVNET 012 Protocol) saves more lives and is more cost-effective than using Zidovudine (CDC 2 weeks regime).

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