The syndemic of concurrent tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM) disproportionately affects low income countries, where between 20-50% of TB patients also have DM or dysglycaemia. This project will use data from TANDEM (http://www.tandem-fp7.eu/), a large 4 country and multi-disciplinary study of TB-DM. The studentship will develop a mathematical model, using cost, clinical and epidemiological data already collected in Indonesia, to assess the cost-effectiveness of different strategies to identify and manage patients with TB and DM. There are no previous assessments of the cost-effectiveness of intensified TB-DM management in either the short term (during TB treatment) or longer term (after TB treatment has been completed). We therefore expect the findings to guide decisions about the management of concurrent TB-DM globally.

We are looking for a student with a Masters in health economics, epidemiology or related field and a first degree in a relevant statistical, economic or health field. Equivalent experience would also be considered. We expect a student pursuing this project to develop strong skills in economic evaluation and mathematical modelling; developing economic models for cost-effectiveness of cost-utility analysis, an understanding of epidemiology of tuberculosis and diabetes co-morbidity, evaluation of complex health systems interventions (enhanced screening and
management) in a key infectious disease area.

To be eligible for a full studentship award applicants must
(a) hold, or expect to obtain before September 2018, a 1st or 2.1 Honours degree (as a minimum), and
(b) be a UK or EU citizen, and
(c) have maintained ordinary residence in the UK continuously for the 3 years preceding 1 September 2018.