Comparing estimated cost‐effectiveness of micronutrient intervention programs using primary and secondary data: evidence from Cameroon

Designing a cost‐effective portfolio of micronutrient intervention programs is complex and generally undertaken with limited data. We developed the MINIMOD‐Secondary Data (MINIMOD‐SD) tool, which uses household consumption and expenditure survey data and other secondary data to estimate apparent nutrient intakes and model the effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of micronutrient intervention programs. We present the SD tool methodology and results in the context of Cameroon, with a particular focus on vitamin A (VA) for children and folate for women of reproductive age (WRA). We compared the MINIMOD‐SD tool estimates with those of the full MINIMOD tool, which uses 24‐h dietary recall data. The SD tool consistently underestimated folate intake among women (median (IQR): 230 (143,352) versus 303 (244,367) μg dietary folate equivalents (DFEs)/day) and especially VA among children (141 (64,279) versus 227 (102,369)). Qualitatively, however, the two tools were generally consistent in predicted subnational patterns of micronutrient adequacy and identification of effective and cost‐effective (cost per child/WRA moving from inadequate to adequate intake) interventions. Secondary data and the MINIMOD‐SD tool can provide policymakers with information to qualitatively assess deficiency risks and identify cost‐effective interventions. However, accurately quantifying individual‐level deficiency or dietary inadequacy and intervention effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness will likely require individual‐level dietary data and biomarker measurements.