Abstract

Introduction To ensure there is adequate investment into diagnostics, an understanding of the magnitude of impact and return on investment is necessary. We, therefore, sought to understand the health and economic impacts of the molecular diagnostic programme in South Africa, to deepen the understanding of the broad value of diagnostics and guide future healthcare investments. Methods We calculated the 10-year (where data were available) total cost and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) averted associated with molecular testing for tuberculosis diagnosis (2013–2022), HIV viral load monitoring (2013–2022), early infant diagnosis of HIV infection (2013–2022) and SARS-CoV-2 testing (2020–2022), based on the actual number of molecular tests conducted in South Africa for the respective time periods. We then calculated the economic value associated with those health gains and subsequent return on investment. Results Since the inception of the molecular diagnostics programme in South Africa, approximately 4.3 million DALYs (uncertainty range (UR): 2.8–5.8 million) have been averted as a direct consequence of this programme. This has generated an estimated US$28.3 billion in economic value due to these health gains (UR$18.4–UR$38.7 billion). The return on investment varied by specific diagnostic test (20.3 (UR 15.2–25.4) for tuberculosis, 7.7 (UR 1.6–13.9) for HIV viral load testing, 63.0 (UR 63.0–65.5) for early infant diagnosis of HIV and 2.5 (UR 0.7–4.6) for SARS-CoV-2), for an average of 13.9 (UR 9.0–18.9) for the entire molecular diagnostics programme or US$13.9 of value for each UR$1 invested. Conclusions The molecular diagnostics programme in South Africa generated a significant amount of health gains and economic value associated with these health gains. The return on investment rivals other high-impact public health interventions such as childhood vaccination. The molecular diagnostics programme in South Africa is highly impactful and will continue to be an excellent investment in South African public health expenditure.