Analysis of the Cost of Malaria in Children and Use of Insecticide-treated Bednets in Africa

Abstract

We examine the direct and indirect costs of malaria in children under five years and the benefit of investing in long lasting insecticide treated mosquito nets as a preventative policy strategy in 18 African countries. The results indicate that the use of mosquito treated nets can induce a 6.2 percent reduction in outpatient costs, a 6.6 percent reduction in inpatient treatment costs, a 6.3 percent reduction in productivity losses, and a 22.6 percent reduction in disability adjusted life years (DALY), all on an annual basis.