Integration of Acute Malnutrition Treatment Into Integrated Community Case Management in Three Districts in Southern Mali: An Economic Evaluation

Abstract

Background: Enabling community health workers (CHWs) to treat acute malnutrition improves treatment access and coverage. However, data on the cost and cost-effectiveness of this approach is limited. We aimed to cost the treatment at scale and determine the cost-effectiveness of different levels of supervision and technical support.

Methods: This economic evaluation was part of a prospective nonrandomized community intervention study in 3 districts in Mali examining the impact of different levels of CHW and health center supervision and support on treatment outcomes for children with severe acute malnutrition. Treatment admission and outcome data were extracted from the records of 120 participating health centers and 169 CHW sites. Cost data were collected from accountancy records and through key informant interviews. Results were presented as cost per child treated and cured. Modeled scenario sensitivity analyses were conducted to determine how cost-efficiency and cost-effectiveness estimates change in an equal scale scenario and/or if the supervision had been done by government staff.

Results: In the observed scenario, with an unequal number of children, the average cost per child treated was US$203.40 in Bafoulabé where a basic level of supervision and support was provided, US$279.90 in Kayes with a medium level of supervision, and US$253.9 in Kita with the highest level of supervision. Costs per child cured were US$303.90 in Bafoulabé, US$324.90 in Kayes, and US$311.80 in Kita, with overlapping uncertainty ranges.

Conclusion: Additional supervision has the potential to be a cost-effective strategy if supervision costs are reduced without compromising the quality of supervision. Further research should aim to better adapt the supervision model and associated tools to the context and investigate where efficiencies can be made in its delivery.