Iranian Journal of

Background and Objectives: Leishmaniasis encompasses a wide range of clinical complaints from skin injury to fatal visceral infections. Detailed information about the economic burden of the disease can help health care decision makers to estimate the magnitude of the problem, economic advantages obtained from the prevention of this disease, resource allocation, and disease management. The study was conducted to determine the economic burden of leishmaniasis in humans and animals in Iran in 2013.

Methods: The cost unit was determined through public service tariffs determined by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education and interviews with experts, and service costs were calculated by multiplying the cost unit for one person by all infected cases. The course of the disease and the services provided to patients were obtained from the review of the literature and records and interview with experts.

Results: The economic burden of leishmaniasis was estimated more than IRR 213 billion ($6,700,000). Moreover, 39%, 27%, 18%, and 16% of the costs were related to indirect costs, direct medical costs, indirect medical costs, and dogs, respectively. The average direct medical cost of cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis was IRR 3381186 ($106) and IRR 9392832 ($295) per person, respectively.

Conclusion: The economic burden  of leishmaniasis compared to some diseases such as hydatid cyst showed a smaller number( 232.3 million$). It is recommended that IIranian health politicians consider the economic burden of other diseases.