OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the cost-effectiveness of an app, called Children Immunization App (CIMA), as an intervention for improving timely immunization for oral polio vaccine (OPV) among children in the Zaatari refugee camp, Jordan. The app is used as vaccine reminder and provides health promotional information.

METHODS: A cost-effectiveness analysis was done by comparing a smartphone-based app to remind parents to bring their child for OPV immunization with a control group of caretakers visiting the same camp clinic without having received the app. Cost data for the intervention was collected from the financial statements used in the CIMA project and a questionnaire sent to key informants. The effectiveness of the intervention measured the change in number of children immunized against polio in time. Such data were collected from trials conducted in the CIMA project. Subsequently, the cost-effectiveness of the implemented intervention was calculated as well as an ICER for scaling up the intervention by expanding usage of the app to more families.

RESULTS: The average cost of the intervention per child was 165 US$ with an ICER of 917 US$. However, if the intervention would be implemented for all children aged 0-5 years in Zaatari camp, the cost per child using the app was estimated to be 3.97 US$ including the evaluation and the implementation cost for running the intervention. Further, the cost for running the app per child would be 0.25 US$. In comparison with other vaccine reminders like using SMS, house visits and calls, the cost of using CIMA in project was relatively higher. However, if the intervention is scaled up, the average cost per child using the app was very low.

CONCLUSIONS: An app can function as a low-cost tool to remind families to get their children immunized in time in scarce settings, like refugee camps.