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Economic Evaluation Basics

Abiola Olugbade, a family planning data input officer, works in the Measurement, Learning and Evaluation (MLE) office in the cen

PEPFAR-funded programs require rigorous monitoring and evaluation (M&E) in order to determine whether they are meeting their objectives, being implemented as planned, and are efficient in terms of using resources wisely to achieve desired public health outcomes.  

In the face of increasing economic constraints, it is critically important to evaluate how best to utilize available resources. The information gained from economic analyses on the cost and value of public health activities helps decision makers to make choices that are based on data.

After completing this course, learners will have a more complete understanding of the issues that researchers consider in conducting economic evaluations and the role of economic evaluations in policy and program decision making.

Objective

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

  • Understand the key concepts of economic evaluation
  • Describe the role of economic evaluation within the field of international public health
  • Identify the common methods of economic evaluation and determine which method best suits a given situation
  • Understand the process of how to conduct an economic evaluation
  • Recognize how the application of economic evaluation methods can influence policy and program-related decisions

Credits

Collaborating organizations involved in the development of Economic Evaluation Basics include:

  • Maria Au, United States Agency for International Development
  • Lisa Basalla, Johns Hopkins University Center for Communication Programs
  • David Davies-Deis, Johns Hopkins University Center for Communication Programs
  • Dianna Edgil, Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator
  • David Hotchkiss, MEASURE Evaluation/Tulane University
  • Seseni Nu, ICF Macro
  • Vimalanand Prabhu, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Nalinee Sangrujee, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

We would also like to acknowledge the following technical reviewers for their valuable input:

  • Ajay Behl, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Mahmud Khan, Tulane University
  • Greg Russell, Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator