IS4NCDs

Summary

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory conditions are significant and growing challenges in sub-Saharan Africa. While there are evidence-based innovations and policies to address these risk factors, their implementation is often inconsistent and underreported.

The goal of the IS4NCDs project is to equip graduates with the necessary competencies to translate national policies into actionable strategies for NCD prevention and care. We will build capacity at participating higher education institutions (HEIs) to collaboratively develop and implement a diverse postgraduate programme. This programme will feature transdisciplinary, competency-based, NCD-focused modules in implementation science. These modules, collectively, are expected to shape postgraduate degrees in Implementation Science and NCDs. We will develop and/or modernise nine different modules on implementation science with an NCD-lens that is tailored to different target audiences, including both current and future health care professionals as well as those in leadership positions.

We also aim to establish a regional eHub and a social innovation platform for NCD implementation science, serving as a platform for continued knowledge dissemination, networking, and collaboration. Key stakeholders will be engaged throughout development to facilitate experiential learning and practical skills development within the curricula.