On 18 November 2025, the Asia‑Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health – Kuala Lumpur Chapter (APACPH KL) in collaboration with the Centre for Population Health (CePH) of the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya convened a one-day workshop titled “Health Economics Workshop: Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (CEA)” at Bilik Fakulti, FOM.
The workshop featured expert-led sessions from distinguished speakers:
- Prof Maznah Dahlui: Introduction to Economic Evaluation
- Assoc Prof Mohd Hafiz Jaafar: Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Studies
- Assoc Prof Dr Amirah Azzeri: Costing for Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
- Debbie Muirhead: Applications of CEA with Selected Examples
- Prof Mark Jit: Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Modelling
- Dr Nithiah Thangiah: Study Designs for Economic Evaluation
It was designed to introduce key economic evaluation concepts and practical tools in cost-effectiveness analysis for public health decision-makers and researchers.
The primary objective of the workshop was to strengthen participants’ capacity to apply economic evaluation methods, particularly cost-effectiveness analysis, in health systems and policy contexts. The workshop covered foundational topics such as study design, modelling techniques, cost and outcome measurement, and the interpretation of CEA results.
Reflection
There is an emerged emphasising on the increasing importance of economic evaluation in resource-constrained health systems, especially in Malaysia and the broader region.
Cost-effectiveness analysis is no longer an academic niche, it is a critical tool for allocating limited resources, evaluating preventive interventions and guiding public health programmes.
The workshop’s timing is apt: as Malaysia’s healthcare system evolves, the demand for rigorous economic evidence grows. Equipping researchers and practitioners with these skills helps ensure that interventions are not only clinically effective, but also cost-efficient, maximising population health impact per ringgit spent.
Acknowledgements
We extend our sincere thanks to APACPH KL and CePH for organising this timely workshop, and to all the facilitators and participants who contributed to vibrant discussions and knowledge exchange.
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