Historical Review and Cost-Effectiveness Assessment of the Programs to Eliminate Onchocerciasis and Trachoma in Mexico

Nadia A Fernández-Santos,1 Francisco Gibert Prado-Velasco,2 Dey Carol Damián-González,2 Thomas R Unnasch,3 Mario A Rodríguez-Pérez1 1Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular, Ciudad Reynosa, Tamaulipas, México; 2Instituto de Salud del Estado de Chiapas, Programas de Tracoma y Oncocercosis en Chiapas, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, México; 3Global Health Infectious Disease Research Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USACorrespondence: Mario A Rodríguez-Pérez Email drmarodriguez@hotmail.comAbstract: We present a historical review of two neglected tropical diseases (NTD), namely, onchocerciasis and trachoma, both which were successfully eliminated in Mexico. In addition, we present a cost-effectiveness assessment (CEA) demonstrating that these were worthwhile health interventions. Historically, an estimate of $310.68 and $38.92 per person were spent during the period of time the onchocerciasis and trachoma elimination programs operated, respectively.Keywords: onchocerciasis, trachoma, assessments, Mexico, Chiapas, Oaxaca