JBS Vol 23. Num 1. 2021. Article 7 - Cost-Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccination in Bangladesh

Israt Tahira Sheba
Shafiun Nahin Shimul
Abstract

This study fills a knowledge gap regarding the COVID-19 vaccination by estimating the burden of disease and cost-effectiveness of the vaccination program in the context of Bangladesh. Although vaccination appears to be the only viable path towards normalcy, it has been initiated in most developing countries with lukewarm progress. The vaccination programs involve significant costs, and it is imperative to understand the cost burden of COVID-19 when analyzing the net benefits of vaccination. This study is based on data obtained from official government and international sources. It estimates the Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALY) due to COVID19 in Bangladesh. The cost-effectiveness of the vaccination in the country is compared to the threshold of Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) recommended by the WHO. The study shows that people of ages 31-40 years contributed most to the total DALY implying that vaccination programs are most cost-effective for those above 30 years of age. The study also shows that the price of the vaccine should not exceed USD $20per dose to make the program sustainable, as the ICER is highly sensitive to the price. This evidence calls for government to prioritize the implementation of a vaccination program on a large scale, and the government should attempt to purchase the vaccine from low-cost sources

Keywords
COVID-19
Disability Adjusted Life Years