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Abstract Details
The macroeconomic burden of hepatitis C and the economic benefit of accelerated investments in China.
Bao, Yun (Y);Chen, Ying (Y);Jin, Huajie (H);Zhang, Chi (C);Zhang, Lingli (L);Wu, Bin (B);
BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) poses a significant health and economic burden worldwide, with China bearing a considerable portion of this burden. Chinese treatment coverage remains low, and the full economic implications of achieving these goals are not well understood.
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the macroeconomic burden of HCV from 2023 to 2050, as well as the investments required, health benefits, cost-effectiveness, net economic benefit, and the impact on economic growth associated with achieving WHO hepatitis C intervention coverage targets more rapidly during this period.
METHODS: A dynamic compartmental model was used to simulate the transmission, progression, and cascade of care for HCV patients in China. Intervention costs and healthcare costs were calculated using the cost-of-illness (COI) method. A health-augmented macroeconomic model projected macroeconomic outcomes. Scenarios were developed to evaluate different time points for achieving coverage targets.
RESULTS: The projected macroeconomic burden of HCV from 2023 to 2050 is $1.17 trillion. Achieving WHO targets by 2030 is expected to spend $69.72 (95% UI $66.22-$73.68) billion but will avert 0.66(95% UI 0.58-0.74) million hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases, and 1.10(95% UI 1.03-1.18) million HCV-related deaths compared to status quo. Faster achievement of coverage targets is associated with investments becoming cost-effective sooner and facilitating greater economic growth.
CONCLUSION: Achieving the WHO Global Health Sector Strategy diagnosis and treatment coverage targets by 2030 in China is projected to be cost-effective and result in significant health and economic benefits. The findings underscore the importance of increased investment in hepatitis C elimination efforts in China.
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