OBJECTIVES. The study aimed to estimate the financial and economic costs of treating uncomplicated malaria at a public health facility in Nigeria

METHODS : Based on a comprehensive cost of illness approach, hospital associated costs of uncomplicated malaria episodes were estimated from a provider perspective, applying a standard costing procedure for outpatient services. Capital and recurrent expenditures were estimated using an ingredient approach combined with step-down methodology to calculate the final costs. Costs attributable to malaria treatment were calculated based on the proportion of malaria cases to the total outpatient visits in the period. Non-hospital costs were not collected. The financial and economic costs of treatment were estimated for both uncomplicated malaria without co-morbidity, and with co-morbidity. All costs were calculated in local currency, converted to the US Dollars at the 2013 exchange rate

RESULTS : A total annual economic cost of N28. 723 million (US$182,953.65), was spent by the facility for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria, at the rate of US$31.49 per case. This represents about 25% of the hospital total expenditure within the study year. Personnel accounted for over 82.5% of total expenditure as the dominant cost driver, followed by antimalarial drugs at 6.6%. Over 45% of outpatients visits were treated for uncomplicated malaria in the facility, leading to increased utilization of hospital resources. Changes in personnel costs, drug prices and malaria prevalence significantly impacted on the study results, indicating the need for improved efficiency in the use of hospital resources

CONCLUSIONS : Malaria treatment consumes a considerable amount of resources in the facility, driven mainly by personnel cost and a high proportion of malaria cases. There is scope for enhanced efficiency to prevent wastage and reduce costs to the provider and ultimately the consumer.