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Driving change in cardiometabolic disease prevention and care, and transforming food systems

 

Mission in East Africa

The Novo Nordisk Foundation’s mission in East Africa is to establish catalytic and high-impact partnership initiatives centred on equitable prevention and management of cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs), and improving food security and sustainable agriculture.

In East Africa, where food insecurity is exacerbated by climate change and socio-economic limitations, ensuring access to nutritious food for vulnerable populations is paramount. Investing in sustainable agricultural practices and resilient food systems can enhance food security, which in turn can lead to healthier populations and a reduced burden of CMDs. Resilient health systems are essential for effective prevention and care to handle the growing demands posed by CMDs. By focusing on CMDs and improving food systems, the Novo Nordisk Foundation aims to create a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of health inequity and builds sustainable, healthy communities.

Emphasising the region’s technological advancements, NNF aims to harness innovation and digital transformations to address health inequities and bolster the resilience of food systems. NNF will leverage the emerging research ecosystem in East Africa to lay the groundwork for scientific excellence and localised solutions to global challenges.

Novo Nordisk Foundation in East Africa

The Novo Nordisk Foundation has had a decade-long engagement in East Africa through humanitarian initiatives with a focus on Non-Communicable Diseases. With the NNF Strategy 2030, the Foundation increasingly engages in mission-driven initiatives focusing on cardiometabolic diseases and food systems. Today, the Foundation’s flagship initiatives in East Africa include the Partnership for Education of Health Professionals (PEP) programme and the homegrown School Feeding initiative.

The opening of an East Africa regional office in Nairobi, Kenya in 2024 marks an important milestone for the Foundation in our commitment to support demand-driven initiatives and sustainable change. The presence in East Africa enables the Foundation to align with regional and national policy priorities and strengthen our partnerships, including regional institutions and local partners. The Nairobi office plays an essential role in coordinating the Foundation’s activities in East Africa.

Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Rwanda will be the geographic priority countries for the Foundation’s activities in East Africa, while other countries in Africa will be considered for humanitarian operations and international research collaborations.