Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cost-effectiveness of Rotavirus Vaccine in Low-Income and Lower-Middle-Income Countries

Background. Rotavirus causes morbidity and mortality in children particularly in low-income countries (LICs) and lower-middle-income countries (LMICs). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess cost-effectiveness of rotavirus vaccine in LICs and LMICs. Methods. Relevant studies were identified from PubMed and Scopus from their inception to January 2019. Studies were eligible if they assessed the cost-effectiveness of rotavirus vaccine in children in LICs and LMICs and reported incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. Risk of bias and quality assessment was assessed based on the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standard checklist. Incremental net benefits (INBs) were estimated, and meta-analysis based on the DerSimonian and Laird method was applied to pool INBs across studies. Results. We identified 1614 studies, of which 28 studies (29 countries) were eligible and conducted using cost-utility analysis in LICs (n=8) and LMICs (n=21). The pooled INB was estimated at $62.17 (95% confidence interval, $7.12-$ 117.21) in LICs, with a highly significant heterogeneity (chi(2)=33.96; df=6; P<.001; I-2=82.3%), whereas the pooled INB in LMICs was $82.46 (95% confidence interval, $54.52-$110.41) with no heterogeneity (chi(2)=8.46; df=11; P=.67; I-2=0%). Conclusions. Rotavirus vaccine would be cost-effective to introduce in LICs and LMICs. These findings could aid decision makers and provide evidence for introduction of rotavirus vaccination.