Cost effectiveness analysis of the ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) program for treating acute malnutrition children in Uganda

ABSTRACT: This study is an ex-ante cost effectiveness analysis of a United States Agency for International Development (USAID) project for treating and preventing malnourished children in South Western Uganda. The results data used in the analysis in Acholi and Karamoja regions are for previous projects undertaken in the Uganda. For treating acute malnutrition uses Ready to Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) as the major food for treating and preventing undernourishment children in Uganda .The costs of project include the cost of the therapeutic food (RUTF), the cost of the Health Center Visits, the cost of the Technical Assistance and Community Mobilization. The treatment method is outlined by Integrate Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) guidelines Uganda ministry of Health, 2012.For measuring the effectiveness of the intervention in averting deaths we use the disability adjusted life year (DALY) calculated as a measure of mortality and morbidity. The cost per DALY saved is estimated using these parameters. A sensitivity analysis is also cleared out for the key variables. The cost effectiveness per DALY averted for the SPRING project is between US$ 26.28 and 38.98 per DALY saved. In the analysis of health costs in developing countries, this rate of cost effectiveness is considered quite low. It has been recommended by the World Bank that countries should implement all projects and programs that have a rate of cost effectiveness of less than $50.00 per DALY saved. This health intervention appears to be quite cost effective and should be implemented in Uganda. They key question is whether they will be able to obtain a sufficient volume of RUTF from the local supplier for the project. Keywords: Cost effectiveness analysis, disability adjusted life year (DALY), sensitivity analysis. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………