Cost-Effectiveness of WHO-Recommended Options for Preventing Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission in Zimbabwe

In a computer model, lifelong treatment of HIV-infected women improved life expectancy for both mothers and infants and, despite increased upfront costs, saved money in the long run.

In 2010, the WHO issued revised guidelines for prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT), suggesting tiered treatment options, depending on maternal HIV disease stage. Three options were recommended:

AZT during pregnancy, together with infant nevirapine throughout breast-feeding (Option A)
Maternal three-drug combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) throughout pregnancy and breast-feeding (Option B)
Maternal three-drug combination ART initiated during pregnancy and continued for life, including breast-feeding and subsequent pregnancies (Option B+)

Investigators used three validated, linked computer models to examine the potential cost-effectiveness of these PMTCT options, compared with no antenatal ART (comparator) and single-dose …

Reviewing Author

Sonia Nagy Chimienti, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Sonia Nagy Chimienti, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Cost-Effectiveness of WHO-Recommended Options for Preventing Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission in Zimbabwe

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Reviewing Author