How to Measure the Economic Impact of Vector-Borne Diseases at a Country Level: An Assessment

Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are widespread in less developed countries and re-emerging in developed ones. Available economic studies agree that VBDs induce significant effects on countries' economic outcomes, and affirm that a systematic evaluation of such effects is crucial to the efficient allocation of resources to health priorities. This paper provides a comparative assessment of available methodologies for measuring the economic impact of VBDs at a national level. We review both macroeconometric and micro-based approaches, and examine advantages and disadvantages of currently used methods. We conclude by suggesting possible methodological advancements and new challenges for future research.