Data set and cost categories

Costs were categorized into distribution, Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine plus Amodaiquine (SPAQ) for SMC, Vitamin A, training, supplies, meetings, labor, supervision, and social mobilization costs. Sensitivity analyses evaluated the effect of a 10% fluctuation in the costs of distribution, labor, SPAQ, and supplies on the cost per child. RESULTS: The total cost for the SMC standalone campaign was US$158,934, and the SMC-VAS integration was US$186,426.

Distribution and drug costs were the largest contributors in the integrated and SMC-only campaign. The SMC-only cost per child was $0.94 and $1.18 when eligible children received both SMC and VAS. The integration of VAS into the SMC campaign cycle incurred an additional US$27,492 over Cycle 1 cost (US$186,426 – US$158,934).

Fluctuations in distribution costs were the most influential component of the cost per child. CONCLUSION: Integrating VAS with SMC campaigns increases the cost by US$0.24 per child, a modest increment considering the potential health benefits. The results support the feasibility of this integration, in terms of cost, to combat child mortality from malaria and malnutrition in Nigeria.

Further research is recommended to explore the cost-effectiveness of this integrated distribution model.