The objective of this modeling effort was to combine formula feeding with antiretroviral therapy. Financial support from the government varied from either no payment to full support. Outcome measures include deaths averted and years of life gained. Costs are based on screening and counseling costs, as well as formula costs.
Benefits are the treatment costs averted.
The curve for ARV treatment begins quite high, and declines as the age of the child increases. If these are high, almost any intervention will be cost-effective. If the IMR is doubled, or the mortality effect from increased breastfeeding is doubled, then more deaths occur from this than are saved by the therapy.