Modeling the economic benefits of an AIDS vaccine

Economic models were used to describe the potential for an AIDS vaccine to prevent medical spending and lost productivity throughout the world. In terms of avoided medical spending, preventing 75% of the AIDS risk for 10 years in one adult male is estimated to be worth US$ 343 in western Europe, US$ 4.59 in south and SE Asia. and US$ 2.67 in sub-Saharan Africa. The expected medical savings from a 75% effective vaccine would exceed US$ 25.00 per person for over 700 million people. Although an AIDS vaccine would save more lives in poverty stricken areas, it would save more money in developed countries. The mismatch between the public health needs and market forces is highlighted by this model. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.