Vitamin K prophylaxis in less developed countries: Policy issues and relevance to breastfeeding promotion

C.G. Victora and P. Van Haecke

American Journal of Public Health, 1998, vol. 88, issue 2, 203-209

Abstract: Vitamin K prophylaxis prevents hemorrhagic disease of the newborn. The present review estimates the potential magnitude of this problem in less developed countries, assessing the need for prophylaxis, along with its cost- effectiveness and feasibility. Late hemorrhagic disease, occurring between 2 and 12 weeks, often leads to death or permanent disability. Its median incidence in developed countries is 7 per 100 000 births. Incidences in less developed countries may be much higher. Three incidence scenarios are proposed and the corresponding losses of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) calculated. Under the intermediate scenario, late hemorrhagic disease accounts for 0.1% to 0.20% of DALYs lost to children less than 5 years of age. Assuming a cost of $1.00 per injection, each DALY saved would cost $1.33. Decisions on prophylaxis must be made on a national basis, considering mortality levels and causes, health budgets, and feasibility. Comparison with the impact of diseases prevented by breast-feeding shows that concern with hemorrhagic disease should not affect breast-feeding promotion efforts, although strategies for supplementing breast-fed infants must be explored.

Date: 1998
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:1998:88:2:203-209_0

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