9 June 2025

The Government of Zambia acknowledged the serious challenges posed by Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and reaffirmed its commitment to combating them through comprehensive policy and strategic initiatives. This was highlighted by Health Permanent Secretary for Donor Coordination, Dr. George Sinyangwe, during the launch of the Implementation Science for Non-Communicable Diseases (IS4NCDs) Consortium.

Dr. Sinyangwe, speaking through the Ministry of Health Acting Director for Public Health, Dr. Matilda Simpungwe, emphasized the government’s recognition of NCDs as a formidable public health challenge. The government’s efforts include aligning with global frameworks such as the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and the World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs.

Zambia’s National Health Strategic Plan for 2022-2026 aims to reduce mortality caused by NCDs by strengthening prevention strategies, promoting multi-sector collaboration, and enhancing healthcare capacity at the primary level. The government has also embraced a national alcohol policy since 2018 and is advancing legislation through the Tobacco Control Bill to mitigate risk factors associated with NCDs.

Despite these policies, Dr. Sinyangwe urged citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles, noting the growing prevalence of unhealthy habits linked to socioeconomic changes. These trends continue to fuel the burden of NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and respiratory illnesses in the country.

The launch of the IS4NCDs Consortium represents a significant milestone in Zambia’s public health landscape. This initiative is designed to train a new cadre of health professionals equipped with not only medical knowledge but also practical skills necessary for effective implementation of interventions on the ground.

Professor Bernard Hango’mbe, Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Copperbelt University, represented by Professor Ephraim Munshifwa, described the consortium launch as a landmark event for Zambia and the wider Southern African region. He praised the European Union’s support for addressing the alarming rise in NCD-related deaths in sub-Saharan Africa.

The IS4NCDs Consortium brings together expertise from leading European institutions including Utrecht University, Ludwig-Maximilian University, and the Institute of Tropical Medicine, alongside prominent African universities such as the University of Witwatersrand, Stellenbosch University, Copperbelt University, and the University of Zambia. This collaboration is expected to drive innovative research and implementation science to curb the growing impact of NCDs.

8 June 2025

On the morning of Friday, June 6, 2025, in Lusaka, Zambia, the official launch of the Implementation Science for Non-Communicable Diseases (IS4NCDs) Curriculum Development project took place. This important initiative is funded by the European Union through its Erasmus+ programme. The project seeks to build capacity in implementation science education specifically targeted at the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across Africa, with a particular focus on equipping graduates with the skills to translate national health policies into effective, actionable strategies.

In the IS4NCDs launch, principal investigator Martin Heine presented the project to esteemed guests from the Ministry of Health of Zambia, The University of Zambia (UNZA), Copperbelt University, and other institutions, underscoring the collaborative spirit driving this initiative.

Addressing Non-Communicable Diseases in Africa

NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, and chronic respiratory conditions, are a growing health challenge across sub-Saharan Africa, including Zambia. Despite the existence of evidence-based policies and innovations, consistent implementation and practical application remain major hurdles. The IS4NCDs project aims to address this gap by fostering a systemic educational approach that enhances the competencies of healthcare professionals and leaders in addressing these diseases through tailored postgraduate programs in implementation science with a focus on NCDs.

Project Goals and Educational Impact

The IS4NCDs initiative is designed to collaborate with multiple higher education institutions to develop or update specialized modules in implementation science related to NCD prevention and care. These modules are competency-based and transdisciplinary, targeting current and future healthcare workforce and policy leaders. Moreover, the project plans to establish a regional eHub and a social innovation platform to support ongoing knowledge dissemination, collaboration, and networking on NCD implementation science in Africa.

International Collaboration and Funding

The funding received from the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme underlines the international commitment to strengthening health systems in Africa through education and research. The project represents a collaboration among universities and health institutions in Africa and beyond, highlighting the importance of global partnerships in tackling the pervasive challenge of NCDs.

A Hopeful Step Toward Sustainable Health Improvements

The launch of IS4NCDs marks a significant step toward sustainable health improvements in Africa by emphasizing education, research, and international cooperation. This project not only focuses on policy translation but also encourages experiential learning and practical skills development within African healthcare systems, promising a better-equipped workforce to combat the growing epidemic of non-communicable diseases.

This initiative exemplifies how targeted educational interventions combined with collaborative international support can strengthen health outcomes and improve quality of life for populations affected by NCDs in Africa and beyond.

6 June 2025

Day 3 of the IS4NCDs 2025 Consortium Meeting in Lusaka was marked by deep introspection and reflection as participants critically examined the planned modules for the Implementation Science for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) course. The consortium, which aims to build capacity in implementation science tailored to NCD prevention and management in Africa, focused on refining the curriculum to ensure it addresses the unique challenges faced in the region.

The day’s highlight was an enlightening visit to the Matero First Level Hospital PenPlus Clinic. This clinic is part of the PEN-Plus program, an integrated health service model addressing severe chronic NCDs at the first-referral hospital level in Zambia. The visit provided consortium members with a firsthand understanding of the practical health service delivery and patient care models in operation, emphasizing community-based and accessible care for chronic diseases.

In addition to the clinical visit, the group toured the University of Zambia (UNZA) campus. The university plays a pivotal role in the IS4NCDs initiative, hosting the meeting and contributing to the development and dissemination of the new transdisciplinary, competency-based NCD-focused modules. The tour gave attendees an appreciation of the academic environment and resources supporting health education and research in Zambia.

This day in the meeting embodied the IS4NCDs project’s broader goals: enhancing collaborative efforts across universities in Southern Africa to train a skilled health and research workforce, capable of translating national NCD policies into effective actions. The reflective discussions and practical experiences gained during the hospital visit and campus tour are vital steps towards advancing the project’s commitment to fighting the rising burden of NCDs in Africa through innovative education and implementation science strategies.

The IS4NCDs project is a collaborative effort involving the University of Zambia, Copperbelt University, Stellenbosch University, the University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg, the Institute for Tropical Medicine, and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, coordinated by the University Medical Center Utrecht. It focuses on co-developing course modules, training educators, and fostering partnerships to support effective NCD care and prevention in the region.

5 June 2025

Day 2 at the IS4NCDs Consortium Meeting in Zambia marked an essential step forward in advancing collaborative efforts for non-communicable disease education and research. During this pivotal gathering, participants engaged in in-depth discussions and brainstorming sessions focused on the distinct aspects of their assigned Work Packages. These sessions provided a platform for critical reflection on how theoretical models and frameworks, commonly used in research, can be effectively adapted and transformed into actionable strategies within practical settings.

A key highlight of the day's activities was a group work session centered around Challenge-Based Learning. This innovative educational approach enabled attendees to actively engage with real-world problems related to NCDs, fostering a learning environment where participants not only investigated key challenges but also collaborated to implement practical solutions. The session epitomized the meeting's overarching goal: bridging the gap between research and practice by cultivating an interactive, problem-solving mindset among consortium members.

3 June 2025

Day 1 of the IS4NCDS (Implementation Science for Non-Communicable Diseases) first annual consortium meeting underscored the critical role of stakeholder engagement in advancing implementation science. This foundational approach is pivotal for successful outcomes when developing curricula and interventions for non-communicable diseases at multiple governance levels.

Participants engaged in breakout group sessions focused on identifying and analyzing stakeholders relevant across international, regional, national, and local contexts. These exercises highlighted the complexity and diversity of stakeholders involved in the implementation ecosystem for health programs. Recognizing and mapping the influence, interests, and impact of these various stakeholders enable a strategic and effective engagement process.

Stakeholder engagement in implementation science goes beyond simple communication. It involves a collaborative, transparent, and two-way process where stakeholders are informed, consulted, and actively involved throughout the project cycle. Such engagement ensures that the initiatives are tailored to the realities and needs at multiple levels, increasing the likelihood of acceptance, sustainability, and success.

The IS4NCDS meeting provided a platform to practice and reinforce these principles through stakeholder analysis exercises, preparing consortium members to apply these insights directly to their work in non-communicable diseases. By focusing on key stakeholders from global agencies to local actors, the initiative aims to harness diverse perspectives and resources, facilitating broader and deeper impact in combating chronic diseases.

2 June 2025

The first annual consortium meeting of the Implementation Science for Non-Communicable Diseases (IS4NCDs) Curriculum Development Project, is taking place in the first week of June 2025, in Lusaka. The event was hosted by The University of Zambia (UNZA) School of Public Health and marked a significant milestone in advancing education and research on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across Africa.

The IS4NCDs consortium brings together a prestigious group of academic institutions, including The University of Zambia, Copperbelt University, University of the Witwatersrand, Stellenbosch University, Ludwig Maximillian University, and the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp. The consortium is coordinated by UMC Utrecht, highlighting the collaborative and cross-continental nature of the initiative. This partnership aims to develop a cutting-edge curriculum in implementation science tailored to addressing the growing burden of NCDs.

Funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ Programme, the project aligns with global efforts to strengthen health systems by improving knowledge and skills in implementing evidence-based interventions for non-communicable diseases. The consortium members gathered in Lusaka to share progress, discuss challenges, and strategize on next steps to ensure the curriculum is contextually relevant and impactful.

Key contributors to the meeting included notable experts such as Professor Choolwe Nkwemu-Jacobs, Professor Juliana Kagura, Dr. David Mulenga, Professor René English, Dr. Juliet Nyasulu (PhD), Dr. Lisa Pfadenhauer, Dr. Grace Marie V. Ku, MD, MPH, FPAFP, PhD, Professor Kerstin Klipstein-Grobusch, and Dr. Martin Heine. Their collective expertise spans public health, implementation science, and clinical practice, enriching the development process of the curriculum.

The event underscored the importance of international collaboration in tackling NCDs, which represent a major public health challenge globally. By harmonizing resources and knowledge from diverse institutions, the IS4NCDs project aims to equip health professionals with the skills needed to effectively bridge the gap between research and practice, ultimately improving health outcomes across participating countries.

This first meeting laid the groundwork for ongoing cooperation, curriculum refinement, and dissemination, with the consortium committed to sustaining momentum in the years ahead. The University of Zambia’s role as host reaffirmed its leadership in public health education and dedication to addressing critical health issues in the region.

29 May 2025

Over the past two days, significant preparations took place at Copperbelt University as part of the IS4NCDs project. The undertaking highlighted the university’s ambition and commitment to advancing training in implementation science, a critical field for addressing the growing challenge of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Dr. Martin Heine led the initiative, bringing his expertise to support and strengthen the university’s endeavours.

Despite being a relatively young institution, Copperbelt University demonstrated a strong sense of buy-in and enthusiasm for equipping both current and future health professionals with the skills needed to effectively tackle the increasing burden of NCDs. This focus aligns well with broader efforts to strengthen healthcare systems and improve health outcomes through evidence-based implementation strategies.

Special thanks to Dr. Mwila Hilton Mwaba and Dr. David Mulenga, whose hospitality and support were instrumental in making the engagement productive and inspiring. Their leadership and dedication continue to play a vital role in advancing the goals of the IS4NCDs project at Copperbelt University.

7 April 2025

Today, countries worldwide observe World Health Day 2025, focusing on the theme "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures." This year-long campaign highlights the critical importance of improving maternal and newborn health. It calls on governments and the global health community to redouble efforts to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths while prioritizing the long-term health and well-being of women.

Addressing maternal non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as gestational diabetes, hypertension (including pre-eclampsia), and obesity during pregnancy is essential to reducing both immediate complications and long-term health risks for mothers and their children.

Early childhood nutrition, physical activity, and the surrounding environment also play a vital role in shaping lifelong health outcomes. Exposure to poor nutrition, tobacco, alcohol, or air pollution during early years increases the likelihood of developing NCDs like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and asthma later in life.

Preventing NCDs starts before birth. Healthy mothers contribute to healthier future generations. Ensuring healthy pregnancies is a foundational step in preventing chronic diseases. Early care, therefore, is an investment in long-term health.