It is with great pleasure that we congratulate Dr. Mawdda Benhamza on the successful completion of her Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) viva voce at the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya. Her dissertation, titled “Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Shortening the Follow-Up Screening Period for Diabetic Retinopathy at Tripoli Eye Hospital, Libya,” presents a groundbreaking study that has the potential to transform public health strategies for diabetic retinopathy (DR) management.

A Glimpse into the Research

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major public health concern, being the third leading cause of blindness worldwide. In Libya, the standard follow-up screening period for mild to moderate DR is 9 months, but this study investigated the cost-effectiveness of shortening it to 6 months.

Using Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (CEA), the study assessed Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) gained and Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratios (ICERs) for patients followed up at 6 months versus 9 months. Findings revealed that a 6-month follow-up resulted in

Fewer severe DR cases were detected, indicating earlier intervention.
Better quality of life scores among patients.
Cost savings, as earlier treatment reduced healthcare expenses in the long run.

The results highlight the importance of early detection and timely intervention, offering a practical, evidence-based policy change that can significantly benefit public health and economic sustainability in Libya and beyond.

Achievements & Contributions

Dr. Mawdda Benhamza’s work is not just an academic milestone but a significant contribution to global public health. Her achievements include:

Successful publication of her research in BMC Ophthalmology, a prestigious peer-reviewed journal.
Providing critical insights for policymakers to optimise healthcare strategies for diabetic retinopathy management.
Pioneering cost-effective solutions to enhance healthcare efficiency and patient outcomes.

Impact on Public Health

Dr. Benhamza’s research has profound implications for healthcare systems, policymakers, and diabetic patients. By advocating for a shorter screening interval, her findings could:

Improve early diagnosis and reduce the risk of blindness.
Lower long-term healthcare costs by preventing severe DR complications.
Set a new standard for DR screening policies in low- and middle-income countries.

This work exemplifies the power of evidence-based public health interventions to improve healthcare accessibility, quality, and cost-effectiveness.

Acknowledgements

We wish to acknowledge the invaluable guidance and mentorship provided by Dr. Mawdda Benhamza’s supervisors, Honorary Professor Dr. Maznah Dahlui and Professor Dr. Mas Ayu Said, whose expertise and support were instrumental in the completion of her thesis.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Professor Dr. Aniza Ismail (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre) as the External Examiner and Associate Professor Dr. Lim Lee Ling (Universiti Malaya) as the Internal Examiner.

We would also like to thank the Committee of Examiners for their thorough evaluation and insightful feedback, including Professor Dr. Wong Pooi Fong, the Chairperson of the viva voce session; Professor Dr. Tunku Kamarul Zaman Tunku Zainol Abidin as the senate representative; Professor Dr. Shahrul Bahyah Kamaruzzaman, Deputy Dean (Postgraduate Studies), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya; and Professor Dr. Victor CW Hoe, Head of Department, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya.

A Bright Future Ahead

Dr. Mawdda Benhamza’s journey is an inspiration to researchers and public health professionals alike. We look forward to her continued contributions in the field of public health and healthcare economics, shaping policies that make a real-world impact.

🎉 Congratulations once again, Dr. Mawdda Benhamza! Your dedication and perseverance have led to a significant academic and professional milestone. The future holds immense opportunities, and we can’t wait to see where your research takes you next. 🚀🎓

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