Olufunke Alaba

Dr. Olufunke Alaba was awarded a PhD in Economics from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. She then moved to the University of Pretoria as a Postdoctoral Fellow, focusing on economics related to health inequality and health insurance. This role allowed her to delve into the economic factors influencing health disparities and the effectiveness of health insurance systems in mitigating these inequalities. Subsequently, she joined the University of Cape Town as a lecturer at the Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health. She has made significant contributions to academia and public health policy in this capacity. Her research primarily explores the intersection of health, poverty, and well-being, addressing crucial issues that affect vulnerable populations. She has an established track record in key areas, including health inequalities and equity. She has conducted extensive econometric analysis to understand the determinants and ecological factors associated with physical activity, food security, and obesity across the life course. Her work also examines the social determinants of health, providing insights into how socioeconomic factors influence health outcomes. Dr. Alaba has recently focused on the economic returns and equity analysis of behavioural change interventions. Her research in this area aims to evaluate the economic returns of various interventions designed to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases. Currently, she serves as a co-coordinator of the Special Interest Group on the Economics of Obesity of the International Health Economics Association. In this role, she collaborates with global experts to advance the understanding and policy implications of obesity economics. Through her research and professional activities, Dr. Alaba continues to contribute to the development of effective health policies that promote equity and well-being.

Find her CV here.