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Written question asked by Nick Hurd (Conservative) on Monday, 16 November 2015, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 18 November 2015. It was answered by Grant Shapps (Conservative) on Monday, 23 November 2015 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Developing Countries: Health Services

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment she has made of the cost effectiveness of (a) cataract surgery, (b) correction of refractive error, (c) interventions against trachoma and (d) other public health interventions.

Answer

DFID uses evidence on the cost-effectiveness of health interventions to inform DFID investment decisions. This includes the World Health Organisation CHOICE (CHOosing Interventions that are Cost-Effective) project that provides detailed cost-effectiveness estimates of a large number of interventions to reduce risks to health, including many causes of blindness. DFID’s aim is to maximise health gains through targeted, cost-effective health interventions that are delivered through strengthened, more efficient and effective health systems.


Every DFID project is rigorously appraised before approval. During implementation each project is regularly monitored to examine whether the targeted results are on track, whether the project represents value for money and remains cost effective, and what, if any, corrective action needs to be undertaken. DFID considers alternative approaches and cost-effectiveness, amongst other factors, whenever we make an investment. The best value for money in a given country at a given time will depend on many factors, including the local context and what others are doing.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
16415
Session
2015-16
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Developing countries Health services Visual impairment
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk