Reducing micronutrient deficiencies in Pakistani children: are subsidies on fortified complementary foods cost-effective?

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To estimate the cost-effectiveness of price subsidies on fortified packaged complementary foods (FPCF) in reducing iodine deficiency, iron-deficiency anaemia and vitamin A deficiency in Pakistani children.

Design

The study proceeded in three steps: (i) we determined the current lifetime costs of the three micronutrient deficiencies with a health economic model; (ii) we assessed the price sensitivity of demand for FPCF with a market survey in two Pakistani districts; (iii) we combined the findings of the first two steps with the results of a systematic review on the effectiveness of FPCF in reducing micronutrient deficiencies. The cost-effectiveness was estimated by comparing the net social cost of price subsidies with the disability-adjusted life years (DALY) avert

SUBMITTER: Wieser S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6149007 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature