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The Cost of Saving a Statistical Life: A Case for Influenza Prevention and Control

In: Health and Animal Agriculture in Developing Countries

Author

Listed:
  • Thomas W. Sproul

    (University of Rhode Island)

  • David Zilberman

    (University of California)

  • David Roland-Holst

    (University of California)

  • Joachim Otte

    (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations)

Abstract

Billions of dollars have been spent on reducing the likelihood and severity of influenza pandemics originating in domesticated animals. These investments have global public-good properties and have to be shared. This chapter provides guidance for evaluating the benefits of flu-prevention expenditures and sharing their costs. Investments are valued by their implied statistical value of a life saved and are compared to a global average value that we construct. The results suggest that, if a $10 billion annual investment reduces the expected fatalities of a pandemic by 10%, then it is a reasonable or even very good investment. Our figures suggest that the United States should cover 20% and China 11% of the global public-good investment in flu risk reduction.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas W. Sproul & David Zilberman & David Roland-Holst & Joachim Otte, 2012. "The Cost of Saving a Statistical Life: A Case for Influenza Prevention and Control," Natural Resource Management and Policy, in: David Zilberman & Joachim Otte & David Roland-Holst & Dirk Pfeiffer (ed.), Health and Animal Agriculture in Developing Countries, edition 1, chapter 0, pages 135-141, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:nrmchp:978-1-4419-7077-0_8
    DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-7077-0_8
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