Vitamin a cost-effectiveness model

To assist in the selection of a preferable vitamin A deficiency control policy, a model has been developed to organize information on program costs and program‐related effects. The model was designed to compare three approaches: (1) diet modification; (2) fortification of processed foods; and (3) periodic large doses. Health effects projected are rates of specific eye pathologies associated with vitamin A deficiency (xerophthalmia), and mortalities within age cohorts. Effectiveness is calculated as a function of coverage, biological efficacy, and incidence of vitamin A deficiency. The model was applied to data from the Province of West Java in Indonesia. The results of this application suggest that funding level considerations are an important factor in selecting a preferred control strategy. In addition to determining the relative resource requirements of alternative interventions aimed at reducing the morbidity and mortality effects of vitamin A deficiencies, the model, using marginal cost and marginal effectiveness information, can serve as a guide to the most efficient allocation of resources for each type of intervention.