The value of tuberculosis elimination and of progress in tuberculosis control in twentieth-century England and Wales

OBJECTIVE: To calculate the monetary value of tuberculosis (TB) elimination and of progress in TB control in twentieth-century England and Wales. METHODS: An original methodology that utilises original data is used, which facilitates the calculation of the number of life years that have been saved as a result of the decline in the TB mortality rate, prevalence rate and quality of life burden. RESULTS: The magnitude of the decline in the mortality and morbidity burden of TB is estimated at 104 425 life years, which is valued to be worth in excess of US$127 billion. The value of improvements in morbidity contributes nearly as much as the more obvious gains for mortality. CONCLUSION: Such significant results indicating the value of improvements in TB control have important implications for our understanding of these achievements and justify increased spending in developing countries that continue to be plagued by high rates of TB prevalence.