The burden of HIV/AIDS in the public health care system
Journal Article
2008
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South African Journal of Economics
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
Given current lack of routine data, assessing the burden of HIV/AIDS on the public healthcare system is complex. This research aimed to collect a wide range of data that could be used to estimate this burden and the costs of meeting it. Data collection was undertaken by research doctors who were employed in a wide spectrum of facilities to compile information on patients' HIV-status, retrospective utilisation of services and unit costs of care. Key results indicated that the percentage of expenditure on HIV-related care was 26% across all facilities. HIV-positive patients had higher utilisation of services compared to other patient groups; the annual cost per patient was estimated to be R4,813 (2007/08 prices). Results should be interpreted in the light of the underlying population need and context-specific access barriers.
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Reference:
Cleary, S., Boulle, A., Castillo‐riquelme, M., & Mcintyre, D. (2008). The burden of HIV/AIDS in the public healthcare system. South African Journal of Economics, 76(s1), S3-S14.