Costs and Benefits of Malaria Elimination in Kenya by Means of IVM Implementation

Integrated Vector Management (IVM) is considered one of the most cost-effective tools to reduce malaria transmission. Launched in Kenya in 2001, IVM components include bed net distribution, spraying operations, and environmental management to reduce mosquito density. This article presents a malaria simulation model, inspired by the Malaria Management Model (MMM), adapted for Kenya. The model assesses the potential impact of different future IVM strategies, as well as the costs and main socio-economic benefits of malaria elimination in the country. It also integrates the main impacts of malaria transmission on socio-economic development, such as GDP production, literacy rate, and life expectancy. Simulation results confirm that IVM programs in Kenya would not achieve malaria elimination within this decade. A substantial increase in the malaria budget and its reallocation across interventions would be necessary to reach a malaria-free country by 2030. Nevertheless, the results confirm that malaria reduction in Kenya has provided sufficient economic benefits to cover the costs of malaria control.