Cardiometabolic diseases and the wider group of Non-Communicable Diseases pose an increasing and significant challenge across Africa. Nevertheless, limited reliable data on NCDs exist, preventing adequate prioritisation of NCDs within national health systems. This gap is exacerbated by a health workforce insufficiently skilled in routine NCD data collection, analysis and use.
Africa CDC, through its first continental NCD, Injuries Prevention and Control, and Mental Health Promotion Strategy (2022 – 2026), lays the foundation for a new public health order in Africa for firm prevention and control of NCDs through strengthening integrated systems including surveillance systems for NCD prevention and control and a grown public health workforce.
Anchored with the NCD Division of Africa CDC, this project aims to improve the capacity of frontline public health workers in NCD surveillance and epidemiology to address the significant NCD data gap across Africa. The project is guided by two objectives:
- Develop and deliver a scalable training program on NCD surveillance for public health professionals.
- Strengthen continuous cross country peer learning, exchange and support in NCD surveillance
In collaboration with the National Public Health Institutes and regional experts, the project will develop a scalable NCD surveillance module to be integrated into Africa CDCs existing 3-month Field Epidemiological Training Programme (FETP). A critical mass of public health professionals from 10 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa will undertake the NCD FETP thereby strengthening their skills in collecting, analyzing, interpreting and using NCD related data. The course will include an accredited online module which made available on Africa CDC’s learning platform for further upscale and continuous capacity development of public health professionals across the continent.
Ultimately, the project will contribute towards to building the capacity of Member States to collect, analyze and use NCDs data to inform decisions and policy making, as well as integrate NCDs into existing health information systems at all levels of healthcare.
The grant will be managed by Africa Public Health Foundation (APHF) on behalf of Africa CDC as implementing and technical partner.
