Research to policy

PRICELESS SA has an active econometrics team.

Economic models play an important a role in analysing health systems, explaining how various factors affect health outcomes, and forecasting future impacts on population health.

For example, the mathematical modelling to show the impact of a tax on sugar sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption must be able not only to show a decrease in consumption of SSBs but also the future health impacts and benefits, as well as broader changes in industry and consumer behaviour.

Some ongoing projects

• Evaluating the SSB tax in South Africa
• Evaluating the Ideal Clinic Intervention in South Africa

PRICELESS SA applies economic evaluation methodologies that are context-specific, and which can assist in informing budget allocation decisions.

Resources in any country are always finite, and the public purse needs to be used to maximum effect. Tough choices have to be made about which health interventions to fund – or not to fund. The challenge applies to all countries, including high-income countries, but it is especially acute in settings like ours where resources are more constrained. Economic evaluation measures the costs and impacts of health interventions.

Key research areas

• Mother and child health
• Vaccines
• Non-communicable diseases
1. Diabetes
2. Hypertension
3. Obesity