Abstract
Active case-finding (ACF) is an important component of the End TB Strategy. However, ACF is resource-intensive, and the economics of ACF are not well-understood. Data on the costs of ACF are limited, with little consistency in the units and methods used to estimate and report costs. Mathematical models to forecast the long-term effects of ACF require empirical measurements of the yield, timing and costs of case detection. Pragmatic trials offer an opportunity to assess the cost-effectiveness of ACF interventions within a 'real-world' context. However, such analyses generally require early introduction of economic evaluations to enable prospective data collection on resource requirements. Closing the global case-detection gap will require substantial additional resources, including continued investment in innovative technologies. Research is essential to the optimal implementation, cost-effectiveness, and affordability of ACF in high-burden settings. To assess the value of ACF, we must prioritize the collection of high-quality data regarding costs and effectiveness, and link those data to analytical models that are adapted to local settings.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 171-181 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease |
Volume | 25 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 1 2021 |
Keywords
- ACF
- Health economics
- Modelling
- Screening
- Tuberculosis
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
- Infectious Diseases