The cost of ARV drugs was a major determinant in countries’ choice of a PMTCT option. In 2009 the average ARV drug cost of Option B was three to five times higher than the cost of Option A (depending on regimen and assuming the provision of both ART and prophylaxis). However, by the end of 2011, this differential had diminished to two times higher. The annual cost of two-pill formulations of TDF/3TC/ EFV has decreased by 30% over the past three years and is now US$150; the newer TDF/3TC/EFV single-pill fixeddose regimen costs approximately US$180 per year (11,12). Further declines are anticipated. With the differing initial cost of drugs now less.
