Cost-Effectiveness of an Injury and Drowning Prevention Program in Bangladesh

OBJECTIVE: Interventions that mitigate drowning risk in developing countries are needed. This study presents the cost-effectiveness of a low-cost, scalable injury and drowning prevention program called Prevention of Child Injuries through Social-Intervention and Education (PRECISE) in Bangladesh. METHODS: Between 2006 and 2010, the 2 components of PRECISE (Anchal, which sequestered children in crèches [n = 18 596 participants], and SwimSafe, which taught children how to swim [n = 79421 participants]) were implemented in rural Bangladesh. Mortality rates for participants were compared against a matched sample of nonparticipants in a retrospective cohort analysis. Effectiveness was calculated via Cox proportional hazard analysis. Cost-effectiveness was estimated according to World Health Organization-CHOosing Interventions that are Cost Effective guidelines. RESULTS: Anchal costs between $50.74 and…