COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF A COMMUNITY-LEVEL HIV RISK REDUCTION INTERVENTION

Objectives. The authors evaluated the cost-effectiveness of a communit y-level HIV prevention intervention that used peer leaders to endorse risk reduction among gay men. Methods. A mathematical model of HIV tra nsmission was used to translate reported changes in sexual behavior in to an estimate of the number of HN infections averted. Results. The in tervention cost $17150, or about $65 000 per infection averted, and wa s therefore cost-saving, even under very conservative modeling assumpt ions. Conclusions. For this intervention, the cost of HIV prevention w as more than offset by savings in averted future medical care costs. C ommunity-level interventions to prevent HIV transmission that use exis ting social networks can be highly cost-effective.