Important Update: IS4NCDs Core Module Transitions to Fully Online Delivery

23 September 2026

The IS4NCDs consortium has decided to modify the delivery format of its upcoming pilot core module, Fundamentals of Implementation Science, scheduled to take place 5–9 October 2026.

To maximise accessibility and ensure that vital training in implementation science is available to health professionals across borders, the consortium has made the strategic decision to transition this training module from its original regional hybrid model to a fully online delivery format.

Initially, the programme was designed to combine broadcasted lectures with on-site, in-person teamwork across four specific African partner institutions: Copperbelt University, the University of Zambia (UNZA), Stellenbosch University, and the University of the Witwatersrand. However, removing geographic barriers altogether allows the project to support broader participation, enabling healthcare implementers, researchers, and policymakers to join the cohort irrespective of their location.

Bridging the "Know-Do" Gap

This foundational module is specifically designed to equip participants with the skills needed to bridge the "know-do gap" in health systems—the persistent mismatch between what is known to work in clinical research and what is actually delivered in frontline health services. Participants will learn how to diagnose implementation challenges and apply verified frameworks (such as CFIR 2.0 or RE-AIM) directly to real-world non-communicable disease (NCD) programmes drawn from their own professional contexts.

By shifting to a fully virtual environment, IS4NCDs aims to foster a diverse cohort of learners who can share unique regional insights, equity lenses, and implementation strategies from a wide variety of healthcare settings.

Key Module Information

• Dates: 5–9 October 2026
• Format: Fully online (lectures and interactive group sessions)
• Cost: Fully funded during this pilot phase (valued at ZAR 6,000 / ~EUR 300, with no course fees for selected participants)
• Academic Value: 7 Credits (ZQF Level 8)

Entry Criteria

The module is open to healthcare professionals from across the sub-Saharan African region who hold a Bachelor’s degree (NQF Level 7) in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health, environmental health, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline. Alternatively, individuals holding a Level 6 Diploma with at least three years of relevant professional experience in a health service, policy, or programme management role will be considered on a case-by-case basis under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Current or recent engagement in health service delivery, programme implementation, management, or policy is strongly recommended, as course assessments directly utilise participants' own professional settings.

Don't miss the opportunity to join this fully funded cohort. The absolute deadline to submit your Expression of Interest is 27 September 2026.