Cost benefit analysis of sexually transmitted diseases

Suggested measures to prevent transmission and sequelae of sexually transmi tted diseases are almost universally agreed. But the important question to be answered is whether the interventions are worth the resources spent. To facilitate the decision making on resource allocation, the best possible in formation should be available concerning the relationships between health i ntervention programs and changes in the health status. Cost benefit analysi s is the main approach used to assess the efficiency of any intervention. I f the economic benefits of the program are greater than the costs, the prog ram should be seriously considered. Although information about the costs of management of STDs is scarce in developing countries because of the compli cated behavioral, social and economic issues involved, it is widely held th at making treatment available for curable sexually transmitted diseases rep resents one of the most cost-effective ways to improve the health in the wo rld. (C) 1999 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published b y Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.