Introduction: Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that affects developing countries; it has economic and public health significance. WHO recommends regular treatment for schistosomiasis in endemic areas and has that estimated that more than 5 million individuals require treatment in South Africa. The evidence shows that there is a need for implementation of a schistosomiasis Mass Treatment Campaign (MTC) but information about the cost of such a programme is unknown in South Africa.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective, cross sectional descriptive costing study for a schistosomiasis MTC was conducted, from a provider perspective. Costs were classified by cost inputs and activity. Financial records were reviewed for all 60 randomly selected schools participating in the MTC in Ugu District, KwaZulu-Natal. An Excel database was used for data analysis. Preliminary Findings: Forty five percent (16 239/36202) of the children were treated. The total cost of the Mass treatment campaign was US$ 198.994. The unit cost per child treated was US$ 12.29. Had 75% of the children been treated the unit cost per child would have been US$ 7.3. The major cost drivers were praziquantel tablets (44%) and personnel (42%) followed by consumables
(9%), transport (4%) and capital items (1%) respectively. The highest cost proportion by activity was Treatment costs (74%) followed by administration (19%), school visits (4%) and advocacy (3%) respectively.
Conclusions: The praziquantel tablets and personnel contribute the highest costs. The South African Medicines Control Council does not accept WHO accredited medication; If free or cheap praziquantel is made available many more children could be treated. Furthermore, an increase in coverage rate
would also make the operation cheaper. The integration of the programme with other health campaigns could also be cost saving. Health education and advocacy should be strengthened in order to increase the uptake of the Mass treatment Campaign.