Infection Averted Cost
Estimate cost per infection averted using explicit observed and counterfactual infection totals.
Description
An infection-averted cost compares an intervention cost with a counterfactual reduction in infection count.
An infection-averted cost compares an intervention cost with a counterfactual reduction in infection count. The counterfactual is a supplied estimate, not a measured result from the calculator.
The tool returns infectionsAverted (infections averted); costPerInfectionAverted (cost per infection averted). Input measurements and model parameters are supplied by the caller; the tool computes the stated summary rather than acquiring those measurements.
When to use Infection Averted Cost
Use Infection Averted Cost when you already have programmeCost, estimatedInfectionsWithout, observedInfectionsWith and want infectionsAverted, costPerInfectionAverted. This is useful for checking a supplied calculation, documenting a measurement convention, or comparing observations prepared on the same basis.
How to use Infection Averted Cost and understand its results
- Enter programmeCost, estimatedInfectionsWithout, observedInfectionsWith using the field table below. Match the units, ordering and data boundaries described in the calculation.
- Run the tool after checking the stated bounds and matching paired observations or categories. A malformed request gives a tool error rather than a usable measurement.
- Read infectionsAverted, costPerInfectionAverted. Use the calculation and interpretation below to distinguish amounts, ratios, signs and decision flags where applicable.
- Review the supplied parameters and assumptions before using the result in a report or comparing it with another observation.
| Input field | Meaning | Value type and bounds | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| programmeCost | Programme cost | number | Required |
| estimatedInfectionsWithout | Estimated infections without | number | Required |
| observedInfectionsWith | Observed infections with | number | Required |
Accept nonnegative cost and counts, requiring a strictly positive difference before division. Use one consistent currency and evaluation period.
infections averted = estimatedWithout − observedWith; cost per averted = cost/averted The symbols refer to the supplied quantities or generated values described above; unit conversions and comparison boundaries follow the stated implementation.
{
"input": {
"programmeCost": 10000,
"estimatedInfectionsWithout": 1000,
"observedInfectionsWith": 800
},
"output": {
"infectionsAverted": 200,
"costPerInfectionAverted": 50
}
}Limitations and assumptions
The tool rejects zero or negative averted counts rather than producing an infinite or negative cost-effectiveness ratio. It excludes discounting and uncertainty.
Numerical inputs must be finite. The tool checks its declared input shape and calculation constraints; those checks do not verify the quality, calibration or representativeness of the supplied observations.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Attributable DALY Burden: Apply a supplied attributable fraction to precomputed years lost and years lived with disability. Community Treatment Coverage: Distinguish eligible-resident and total-population coverage in community-directed treatment.
Methodological background: Monitoring drug coverage for preventive chemotherapy.1
References
-
Monitoring drug coverage for preventive chemotherapy — World Health Organization
Similar or alternative tools
- Attributable DALY Burden
Apply a supplied attributable fraction to precomputed years lost and years lived with disability.
- Community Treatment Coverage
Distinguish eligible-resident and total-population coverage in community-directed treatment.