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American Journal of Public Health logoLink to American Journal of Public Health
. 1996 Dec;86(12):1709–1712. doi: 10.2105/ajph.86.12.1709

The cost-effectiveness of HIV prevention targeting: how much more bang for the buck?

J G Kahn 1
PMCID: PMC1380721  PMID: 9003125

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although the targeting of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention to high-risk populations has been widely discussed, its benefits have not been quantified. METHODS: This analysis of cost-effectiveness combines an HIV epidemic model, target population scenarios, and data on the cost and impact of prevention. RESULTS: The number of HIV infections averted in 5 years with $1 million in annual prevention spending ranges from 164 in high-risk populations to 0.4 in very-low-risk populations. Fortyfold to two-hundredfold differences in prevention costs could equalize HIV infections averted. CONCLUSIONS: Targeting appears to provide substantial benefit and should be considered in allocation decisions about prevention.

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Selected References

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