Informing decisions in global health: cost per DALY thresholds and health opportunity costs

Abstract

The assessment of cost-effectiveness is of crucial importance in determining whether an intervention can improve health outcomes. When deciding on cost-effectiveness in global health, this article highlights the necessity of considering health opportunity costs, which are the health benefits foregone due to resource allocation choices. It argues that cost per DALY (Disability-Adjusted Life Year) thresholds that disregard opportunity costs can lead to suboptimal decision-making and reduced overall health benefits. The article calls for a focus on ’net DALYs averted’, which accounts for the health impact of the resources used, and the evaluation of technologies based on their potential to improve population health rather than solely on cost-effectiveness ratios. – AI-generated abstract.