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.
The IS4NCDs project has received funding from the European Union's Erasmus+ programme under Grant Agreement no. 101179511
The IS4NCDs project has received funding from the European Union's Erasmus+ programme under Grant Agreement no. 101179511