Today, Latin American researchers and global health leaders
revealed preliminary results from the first-ever study to estimate the burden
and costs of meningococcal disease in the region. The study found a need for
improved surveillance and better understanding of meningococcal epidemiology
and information on costs to help devise meningitis vaccination programs.
This new research was coordinated by the Sabin Vaccine
Institute in partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the
International Vaccine Access Center at Johns Hopkins University (JHU’s IVAC)
and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The new research suggests healthcare costs associated with
meningococcal diseases range from $4,500 to $6,500 (USD) per patient, and costs
of controlling outbreaks have reached more than $3 million (USD) in some
regions.
The WHO estimates that 500,000 cases and 50,000 deaths of
meningococcal disease occur annually worldwide. The new study concluded that
more and better information is needed to help control outbreaks.
Currently, the only countries with routine immunization
programs for meningococcal disease are Cuba and Brazil, though other countries
are studying the options.
No comments:
Post a Comment