Malaysia's Health Ministry studying dengue vaccine cost-effectiveness

The Malaysian Ministry of Health (KKM) is undertaking a comprehensive review and assessment before potentially incorporating the dengue vaccine into the National Immunisation Programme (NIP). Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad stated that this evaluation includes a detailed cost-benefit analysis, particularly given the relatively high price of the newly marketed vaccine.

"I know there is one vaccine that has received approval and registration from the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) and is being used in private facilities," Dr. Dzulkefly said. "Give us some time; we are conducting a cost-benefit analysis for the current dengue vaccine, which is from Japan. Making it part of the NIP is not simple; we need to study it carefully." He added that KKM is considering other vaccines and will make announcements if decisions are made.

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Give us some time; we are conducting a cost-benefit analysis for the current dengue vaccine, which is from Japan. Making it part of the NIP is not simple; we need to study it carefully.

Dr. Dzulkefly made these remarks to reporters after inaugurating the Negeri Sembilan State Dental Specialist Centre (PPPNS). He noted that as of the 33rd Epidemiological Week of 2026 (up to August 22), over 61,000 dengue cases had been reported nationwide. This represents a 60.8% increase compared to the same period last year, with 58 deaths recorded. In response, KKM has activated its dengue task force and deployed personnel to identified hotspots, especially in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, while also expanding the use of Wolbachia mosquitoes for biological control.

The minister emphasized that combating dengue is a shared responsibility, requiring collaboration among all parties, including local authorities and relevant agencies, to prevent residential areas and premises from becoming Aedes mosquito breeding grounds. He also mentioned that KKM is reviewing a proposal to extend basic dental screening and treatment to the B40 group's healthcare scheme (PeKa B40) and aims to implement it soon after approval. This initiative would highlight the importance of dental programs in preventive care and primary health management, particularly for non-communicable diseases.

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Combating dengue is not only the responsibility of KKM, but requires the cooperation of all parties, including local authorities and relevant agencies, to ensure that residential areas and premises do not become breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes.