Acceptability and Consumer Willingness to pay for a hypothetical HIV vaccine in Northern Brazil: A cross-sectional study and the implications

Abstract The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is considered one of the greatest public health challenges given its impact on morbidity and mortality, and there is currently no vaccine available. The costs for any vaccine have to be weighed against current preventative measures as well as its impact in reducing future infections. This was the rationale behind conducting a willingness to pay (WTP) study to guide future funding decisions. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving residents of Northern Brazil regarding their WTP for a hypothetical vaccine against HIV with 70% effectiveness. 634 individuals were interviewed and 94% accepted to use this hypothetical vaccine. The WTP was US$47.54 (200.00BRL). We believe these findings can contribute to decision-making about pricing once a HIV vaccine becomes available in Brazil and in discussions with its acceptability.