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# Modelled depression screening in KwaZulu-Natal averted HIV infections at $480 per QALY
- URL: https://www.coios.me/modelled-depression-screening-in-kwazulu-natal-averted-hiv/
- Published: 2026-10-03T13:00:21.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-03T17:40:21.000Z
- Description: A compartmental transmission model for KwaZulu-Natal estimated that screening and behavioural treatment for major depressive disorder would avert HIV infections at $340 per infection and $480 per QALY gained, with combined alcohol and depression strategies averting 179,560 infections by 2030.
- Author: Daniel Ryan
- Tags: Weighing data and models, Value in health, Mental health, South Africa, #peer-reviewed, #new, #item, #source-2026-10

A HIV compartmental transmission model simulated screening and treatment for alcohol use disorder and major depressive disorder in KwaZulu-Natal, for the general population and for key populations including female sex workers and men who have sex with men. Depression screening with behavioural treatment was the most cost-effective general-population strategy at $480 per QALY gained, and combined alcohol and depression screening with behavioural and pharmacological treatment averted 179,560 infections by 2030 at $2,980 per QALY. Targeting female sex workers gave $490 per QALY.

*Why it is interesting: Puts a cost-per-QALY figure on mental health treatment through its modelled effect on HIV transmission rather than on mental illness outcomes.*

Source

[JAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, 1 October 2026](https://doi.org/10.1097/qai.0000000000003920?ref=coios.me)

DOI

10.1097/qai.0000000000003920

Type

Peer-reviewed article

Design

HIV compartmental transmission model with cost-utility analysis, KwaZulu-Natal, horizon to 2030

Verdict

New finding

Driver

[Value in health](https://www.coios.me/d-health-economics/)

Driver

[Mental health](https://www.coios.me/d-mental-health/)