is a valuable metric for evaluating programs and interventions as it allows decision-makers to assess the efficiency of different interventions in achieving their desired outcomes. However, there are several limitations and challenges associated with using cost-effectiveness as a sole metric for evaluation.

One limitation is that cost-effectiveness does not capture the full range of outcomes and impacts that a program or intervention may have. While cost-effectiveness focuses on the cost per unit of outcome achieved, it may not take into account other important factors such as equity, sustainability, or long-term benefits. For example, an intervention may be cost-effective in the short term but may not be sustainable or may have negative impacts on certain populations in the long run.

Another challenge is the difficulty of accurately measuring and quantifying both costs and outcomes. Cost-effectiveness analysis requires reliable data on both the costs of implementing an intervention and the outcomes it produces. However, collecting and analyzing this data can be complex and resource-intensive, particularly for interventions with long-term or indirect effects. Inaccurate or incomplete data can lead to biased or misleading cost-effectiveness estimates.

Additionally, cost-effectiveness analysis may not account for the complexity and context-specific nature of many interventions. Some interventions may have different costs and outcomes in different settings or populations, making it challenging to generalize cost-effectiveness results across different contexts. This can limit the usefulness of cost-effectiveness analysis for decision-making in diverse or dynamic environments.

Furthermore, cost-effectiveness analysis may not adequately capture the value of intangible or non-monetary outcomes. Some interventions may have important social, cultural, or environmental benefits that are not easily quantified in monetary terms. Focusing solely on cost-effectiveness may overlook these important aspects of program impact.

In conclusion, while cost-effectiveness is a useful metric for evaluating programs and interventions, it is important to consider its limitations and challenges. Decision-makers should use cost-effectiveness analysis in conjunction with other evaluation methods and consider a broader range of factors when assessing the value and impact of interventions.