The rational use of available resources is a constant challenge in low-income countries. The health sector is no exception to this constraint. The decision to implement any health intervention must therefore take into account the additional economic burden it represents, but also and above all the relationship between this burden and the gain in efficiency obtained compared with routine procedures or another intervention. Under these conditions, and in view of the current restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is all the more important that researchers in developing countries should be equipped to analyse effectively the cost aspects associated with the operational solutions they propose, in order to provide the best possible guidance to decision-makers. To meet this need, WHO/TDR organised a workshop from 12 to 16 April 2021 via the Zoom platform. The aim of the workshop was to help TB research teams in West and Central Africa to incorporate cost aspects into their ongoing studies on ways of protecting TB control from the impact of COVID-19.
This 5-day workshop brought together a large number of countries from the region and enabled them to familiarise themselves with important concepts of economic analysis, and to work in teams (sometimes multi-country) to set up the economic evaluation protocol for one of the interventions they are proposing in their country. During the workshop, participants were able to benefit from the support of regional and international experts in economic analysis, as well as a package of tools adapted to the specific characteristics of developing countries to help researchers carry out economic evaluations more easily.
Several countries took advantage of this virtual workshop to make significant progress on the economic aspects of their studies. However, after congratulating the participants on their involvement and motivation, the moderators were keen to reassure them that they would be available to support them, even beyond the workshop.