Systematic Review on the Cost of Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC)

Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) is a recommended strategy to prevent childhood malaria through monthly administration of antimalarial medicines in areas with seasonal transmission of P. falciparum. Understanding the costs and resource requirements of SMC delivery is necessary for effective planning and resource allocation. This systematic literature review, conducted by MSH health financing experts, assessed the evidence on the cost and cost-effectiveness of SMC delivery. The review assessed the financial costs (i.e., expenditures) and economic costs (i.e., true value of resources), including costs such as unpaid volunteer distributors and/or the use of equipment associated with the delivery of SMC from both the provider and patient perspectives. The review also sought to capture details on the cost ingredients and SMC delivery methods.