Global Efficiency Assessment in COVID‐19 Contagion Control and Treatment

ABSTRACT In the global response to the COVID‐19 pandemic, countries aimed to reduce morbidity and mortality by enhancing contagion control and treatment efficiency. Efficiency levels varied significantly across countries due to differences in resources, intervention strategies, and contextual factors. This study analyzes 144 WHO member countries to classify them based on preparedness and resources, measure efficiency in contagion control and treatment, and identify determinants of efficiency. A three‐stage approach was applied. First, countries were clustered using the k‐means algorithm based on development‐related indicators, including the Human Development Index, Statistical Performance Index, and Global Health Security Index. Second, contagion control and treatment efficiency were assessed using Data Envelopment Analysis. For contagion control efficiency, input variables included non‐pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical interventions, with cases per million as the output. Treatment efficiency was evaluated using health expenditure, hospital beds, and health workforce as inputs, and case fatality rate as the output. Finally, Classification and Regression Trees and Random Forest algorithms were used to determine variables influencing efficiency. The clustering process resulted in two country groups. Findings reveal that health expenditure, urban population percentage, and GDP per capita were significant variables for contagion control efficiency in the first cluster, while testing rates, health expenditure, and GDP per capita were important in the second cluster. For treatment efficiency, land borders, vaccination rates, and GDP per capita emerged as key influencing factors. These findings identify key drivers of efficiency and offer practical guidance for countries to enhance their preparedness and adapt strategies for future global health crises.