A new publication in PLOS Global Public Health examines the operational context for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program and the associated costs in three regions of Ethiopia. The study, led by PATH, used a cross-sectional, mixed-methods approach to provide insights on the frequency and intensity with which HPV vaccination program activities were done, and microcosting was used to estimate the costs to the health system for these activities. The sample included 60 health facilities, 17 woredas, and 9 zones/sub-cities that were randomly selected from three purposively selected regions (Addis Ababa, Afar, and Amhara) and the national level.
Aggregated across all levels of the health system, the estimated financial cost per dose across the pooled sample was $2.23 (2019 US$), and the economic cost per dose was $7.19, excluding the cost of vaccines and supplies. There were regional variations in these estimates, with mean financial cost per dose ranging from $1.17 to $7.18 and mean economic cost per dose ranging from $5.80 to $18.13 across the three regions. Regional variations exist in the service volume, frequency, and intensity of conducting HPV vaccination activities, as reflected in the estimated costs of delivery. Data generated from this study can be used to inform program planning and budgeting, taking into account regional variations, for effective utilization of resources.
Any organization or individual working in the field of immunization economics can submit findings, opportunities, calls to action, or other relevant work below to be shared with our community.