22 November 2025

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) present an urgent and growing health challenge across sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa and Zambia. According to an analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023, recently published in The Lancet, NCDs are now responsible for nearly two-thirds of global disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), with ischaemic heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases as leading contributors. In Southern Africa, this burden is compounded by rapid urbanisation, economic and social transitions, and persistent inequities, placing immense strain on public health systems.

In South Africa, the percentage of deaths due to NCDs increased from 24.2% in 2000 to 49.6% in 2023; this equates to  1 out of every 2 deaths in South Africa  due to  an NCD.. Significantly, 54% of NCD deaths occur in those aged less than 70 years, indicating a high rate of premature mortality . Despite national strategies and policies, such as the National Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs 2020–2025, implementation is challenging due to a complex interaction of competing priorities, insufficient access to essential medicines, health workforce challenges, and infrastructure gaps, amongst others.

In Zambia, nearly 40% of all deaths can be  attributed to NCDs, of which nearly three quarters are premature. Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory conditions, and cancers dominate disease patterns. The 2017 WHO STEPS survey identified three distinct risk groups within the Zambian population: Low-Risk (12%), Intermediate-Risk (64%), and High-Risk (24%), placing nearly 88% of the population at immediate or high risk for NCDs. This is expected to further strain the health system and resources, and pose higher economic burden. Zambia’s National Health Strategic Plan (2022–2026) aims to reduce NCD-driven mortality by strengthening prevention, multi-sector collaboration, and primary care capacity, recognising the need for a holistic approach to tackle the burden of NCDs.

Implementation Science: The Pathway to Sustainable Progress

Many risk factors could be mitigated through effective and sustainable implementation of contextual solutions. The 2023 global burden of disease study highlights that 88 modifiable risk factors - including blood pressure, diet, tobacco use, and air pollution - are responsible for a significant portion of the NCD burden.  Adapting global evidence into local practice, with robust monitoring and catalysed by a multi-sector approach, can strongly contribute in achieving more sustainable progress Implementation science and research offers a methodological paradigm for this translation, supporting professionals along the implementation pathway through theory, models, frameworks, rigorous appraisal of context in relation to implementation outcomes, and monitoring and evaluation of the implementation-effectiveness of implementation strategies, amongst others.  

Strengthening Institutional Capacity

IS4NCDs, a consortium led by universities in South Africa, Zambia, and Europe, targets the urgent need to develop skilled health, education, and research teams in implementation science; to strengthen the capacity for navigating change in the very professionals that are responsible for implementing innovation within their setting and across the (health) system IS4NCDs’ competency-based modules and including an executive implementation science course, created in collaboration with local stakeholders, will prepare professionals to lead change from the clinic to the policy level. The programmes will build capacity  in integrating and sustaining NCD prevention and care strategies into broader health systems and educational institutions.

23 October 2025

Better late than never—we are thrilled to finally celebrate the June 2025 promotion of Dr. Choolwe Nkwemu-Jacobs to Associate Professor in the School of Public Health at the University of Zambia. This milestone is significant not only for Dr. Jacobs personally but also for the IS4NCDs (Implementation Science Education for Non-Communicable Disease) community, where her passionate involvement drives impactful change.

Dr. Jacobs is a distinguished global health researcher whose work greatly advances health equity and strengthens public health outcomes both locally and internationally. As the first female Associate Professor in the School of Public Health, she has made history and set a powerful example of inclusive leadership and resilience. Her visionary thinking, tireless advocacy, and dedication to mentorship continue to inspire colleagues, students, and all those engaged in IS4NCDs.

Beyond her academic achievements, Dr. Jacobs’s role as Founder and Country Lead of Women in Global Health Zambia amplifies her commitment to elevating diverse voices and fostering collaboration in health research and policy. Her leadership embodies the spirit of our community—championing excellence, empowerment, and innovation in the fight against non-communicable diseases.

Congratulations, Professor Jacobs! This achievement is a well-deserved recognition of your unwavering commitment to advancing public health and implementing science for better outcomes. Your impact continues to inspire and uplift the IS4NCDs community and beyond.

23 September 2025

The Fourth United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting (HLM4) on the 25th of September 2025 represents a pivotal moment for global leaders to renew commitments toward enhancing and expanding financing for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health. Sustainable financing strategies must integrate targeted interventions with broader health system reforms, emphasising equitable access and multisectoral cooperation. Achieving progress toward universal health coverage means ensuring affordable, high-quality care for these conditions—an essential step toward a healthier and more equitable future for all.

Building on this, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released insightful guidance on financing NCDs and mental health ahead of HLM4. These insights spotlight the economic and health benefits of investing in cost-effective interventions, the urgent need for increased domestic funding, innovative revenue mechanisms, and the importance of bridging treatment gaps.

Investment Case for Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health

WHO underscores that investing in NCD and mental health interventions is not only vital for health but makes strong economic sense. An additional investment of just $3 per person annually in NCD prevention and management could generate up to $1 trillion in economic returns by 2030 globally. Furthermore, every $1 invested in evidence-based NCD policies can yield as much as $7 in returns through productivity gains, reduced health care costs, and other economic benefits.

Increased Domestic and Strategic Spending

Despite the growing burden of NCDs and mental health disorders, funding for these conditions constitutes a small fraction of health budgets, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. WHO calls for substantial increases in public domestic financing directed at equitable access and prioritisation of primary health care-based services. This requires strategic allocation of resources toward interventions proven to be cost-effective and targeted to reach underserved populations equitably.

Innovative Financing Mechanisms

WHO advocates for innovative financing approaches beyond traditional government budgets to close persistent financial gaps. Health taxes on products such as tobacco, alcohol, and sugar-sweetened beverages have triple benefits: discouraging harmful consumption, generating revenue for health services, and supporting poorer households by reducing spending on these products. Additionally, international development assistance remains crucial to catalyse national actions and help overcome barriers to implementation.

Multisectoral Governance and Action

Addressing NCDs and mental health effectively requires multisectoral collaboration across health, finance, education, agriculture, transport, and other sectors. WHO recommends institutionalising governance frameworks with clear roles and accountability mechanisms to develop, implement, and monitor coherent NCD and mental health policies that reduce risks and promote healthy environments.

Strengthening Health Systems

WHO highlights a pressing need to strengthen health systems by adopting more flexible public financial management, moving away from rigid budget structures, and prioritising integrated care models. Improved data governance and digital tools can facilitate cross-sector coordination, while financial protection mechanisms can shield individuals from catastrophic health expenses related to chronic conditions.

Addressing Mental Health Treatment Gaps

Mental, neurological, and substance use conditions are a major and growing source of global disease burden, but a large majority of affected individuals receive no treatment. WHO emphasises the need for equitable financing of mental health services supported by legal and policy reforms, sustained workforce investment, and expanded community-based care. The WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health represents a major effort to scale up services universally in community settings, particularly within primary and secondary health care frameworks.

Input from IS4NCDs Consortium Member

Adding to the global dialogue, Dr Grace Marie V. Ku, a Public Health Expert, Family and Community Medicine Physician-Specialist, Health Researcher and Academic, currently with the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp and a consortium member of the IS4NCDs project, shared her perspectives as a discussant in the fifth and final webinar hosted by the World Bank and WHO on financing NCDs and mental health, which was held on the 18th of September 2025. She emphasised that the concept of integrated care should extend far beyond the common interpretation of collaboration among healthcare professionals. Dr Ku advocates for integration that includes care delivered at home by the individual or their primary carer, addressing the biomedical, psychological, and social dimensions of the person for true person-centred care. She outlined a comprehensive vision wherein integration encompasses promotion and prevention throughout the life course, timely risk identification, immediate connection to care, sustained patient retention and self-management support, early complication management, rehabilitation, end-of-life care, and support for informal carers. Furthermore, Dr Ku stressed that integration must also cover services beyond direct patient care, including access to quality medicines, seamless health information systems, and community-based promotive and preventive services. Importantly, she called for multisectoral engagement beyond the health sector to tackle the underlying determinants of NCDs. Her insights underscore a broad and ambitious approach to integration as central to advancing NCD care and prevention at the global level.

Looking Ahead to HLM4

The 2025 Fourth UN High-Level Meeting offers a critical opportunity for governments to review progress, strengthen financial commitments, and adopt ambitious policies for the prevention and control of NCDs and promotion of mental health and well-being. Strong, sustained financing mechanisms paired with equitable, multisectoral governance and robust health systems will be key to advancing towards the Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being by 2030.

12 September 2025

The fifth and last webinar in WHO’s series on “Sustainable Financing for NCDs and Mental Health” will take place on 18 September 2025, at 8:00 AM Washington, DC time (12:00 PM UTC). This session will highlight key insights from the June 2024 international dialogue, which brought together ministries of health and finance, development partners, civil society, and technical experts to discuss innovative financing approaches for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health.

In the lead-up to the Fourth High-level Meeting of the UN General Assembly (#HLM4) on September 25, where Member States are expected to endorse a bold political declaration to accelerate NCD prevention and control, this webinar provides a crucial platform for reflection on priority actions. Key topics include addressing the prices of medicines, establishing supportive digital health systems, and advancing health service delivery research.

The webinar aims to strengthen collaborative efforts by uniting diverse stakeholders in the health and finance sectors to promote sustainable financing models and policies that align fiscal and health priorities. By sharing lessons learned and concrete recommendations, the session will contribute to mounting global momentum ahead of the UN High-level Meeting.

Those interested are encouraged to register in advance using the following link: https://worldbankgroup.zoom.us/webinar/register/8817573414801/WN_Ibac60i8TgKjFUVXVzbJcQ#/registration.

This final webinar marks an important milestone in advancing sustainable financing solutions for NCDs and mental health, setting the stage for transformative commitments at the upcoming UN forum.

20 July 2025

Ahead of the 2025 UN High-Level Meeting on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) and Mental Health, efforts are intensifying to transform global dialogue into actionable financing strategies. The meeting, scheduled for September 25, 2025, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, will bring together Heads of State, civil society, academia, philanthropies, and private sector representatives to commit to accelerated action on NCDs and mental health. The registration deadline for participation is August 8, 2025, underscoring the urgency for stakeholders to engage early in preparations.

Key Themes and Goals

Financing Integration:
Central to the meeting's agenda is identifying and implementing sustainable financing mechanisms for both NCDs and mental health. The focus is on moving beyond discussion to securing concrete financial commitments that support long-term action.

Country-Led Initiatives:
Success stories from nations such as Barbados, Norway, and Spain highlight effective national strategies for financing NCD care. These examples serve as replicable models demonstrating practical pathways for other countries.

Strengthening Health Systems:
There is a concerted push to integrate NCD and mental health services into broader health system designs, particularly through primary care. This approach ensures comprehensive and coordinated care rather than fragmented, siloed interventions.

Addressing Critical Gaps:
The dialogues aim to confront challenges including the commercial determinants of health, the climate crisis, gaps in accountability, and the expansion of care in humanitarian and conflict-affected settings.

Youth and Vulnerable Groups:
Special attention is being paid to low investment in youth mental health and the need to scale up community-based and human rights-focused services to better support vulnerable populations.

Key Events and Initiatives

Side Events and Dialogues:
Multiple side events and official dialogue sessions, such as the "Equity and Integration" event at the World Health Assembly and WHO-led financing discussions, are fostering cross-sectoral learning and accelerating momentum.

Focus on Policy and Data:
New data and insights are being shared to inform policy development and facilitate the scaling-up of successful country initiatives.

Advocacy by Key Stakeholders:
Organisations including the NCD Alliance and United for Global Mental Health are at the forefront of advocacy, pushing for progress on key resolutions and thematic discussions ahead of the meeting.

Looking Ahead to the 2025 UN High-Level Meeting

The 2025 meeting on September 25 represents a landmark opportunity to secure increased political commitment and investment in the prevention and care of NCDs and mental health worldwide. The goal is to translate preparatory dialogues and evidence into a strong political declaration that will guide global health policy through 2030 and beyond. With the registration deadline on August 8, stakeholders are encouraged to engage promptly to help shape this pivotal moment for global health equity and integrated care.

This meeting signals a critical juncture for fostering more inclusive, sustainable, and impactful responses to NCDs and mental health challenges globally, emphasizing equity, integration, and leadership.

16 July 2025

The 2025 "Challenges in Global Health: Non-Communicable Diseases" summer school, held from July 7 to July 11 at the University Medical Centre Utrecht, offered a comprehensive and interactive learning experience focused on addressing the global impact of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Coordinated by Prof. Kerstin Klipstein-Grobusch, the course brought together participants and experts from Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America, including members of IS4NCDs and the Capstone West Africa consortium, to explore critical issues surrounding NCDs in diverse global settings.

Course Highlights and Objectives
Over the intensive one-week program, participants examined the burden and risk factors associated with NCDs, the influence of early life environments, and the complex interplay between communicable and non-communicable diseases. The curriculum also addressed the effects of globalization, migration, climate change, and environmental factors on health outcomes. Key discussions focused on effective prevention, management strategies across different health systems, and innovative policy responses, including the application of e-health, m-health, and big data technologies.

By the conclusion of the course, participants had enhanced their ability to:

• Describe the epidemiology and global burden of NCDs.
• Explain how early life experiences contribute to disease variation.
• Analyze the intersection between communicable and non-communicable diseases.
• Assess how global health threats influence NCD prevention and control.
• Apply principles of disease surveillance, control, and prevention in various contexts.

Expert Faculty and Collaboration
The summer school was part of Utrecht University’s MSc Epidemiology program and organized through the UMC Utrecht's Global Health initiative. It featured an international and interdisciplinary faculty renowned for their expertise in global health and NCDs, including:

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Regien Biesma (UMC Utrecht)
• Dr. Daniel Boateng (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana & UMC Utrecht)
• Dr. Olga Cambaco (Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Mozambique)
• Dr. George Downward (UMC Utrecht)
• Dr. Grace Marie V. Ku (Institute of Tropical Medicine, Belgium)
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ana Mocumbi (Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Mozambique)
• Dr. Daniel Opoku (Technical University Berlin & Kwame Nkrumah University, Ghana)
• Prof. Dr. Monique Verschuren (UMC Utrecht)

These experts facilitated rich discussions and fostered cross-cultural academic exchange.

Participants and Impact
The course was open to master's students and professionals from epidemiology, public health, medicine, biomedical, and social sciences backgrounds with an interest in global health and NCD challenges. Through interactive sessions and collaborative learning, participants gained a deeper understanding of the varied challenges faced by low-, middle-, and high-income countries in managing NCDs.

Future Directions
Following this successful 2025 session, the Global Health Summer Schools at Utrecht continue with courses on Implementation Sciences in Global Health, Global Health Ethics & Equity, and Planetary Health. Preparations are underway for the 2026 edition, continuing to provide interdisciplinary education on urgent global health issues.

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.

7 February 2025

Yesterday, 6 February 2025, the IS4NCDs project — focused on Capacity Building in Implementation Science Education for Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Management in Africa — was launched during its first webinar. The session featured three expert speakers.

Dr. Martin Heine, IS4NCDs Principal Investigator, UMCU (NL), introduced the project and the team, and provided an overview of implementation science, followed by a concise presentation of the various modules offered in the IS4NCDs training program.

Professor Byron Powell, of WashU Brown School’s Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science (USA) discussed Implementation Science in 2030: from puberty to maturity, offering insightful perspectives on the field’s future.

Professor Susan van Schalkwyk, Professor Emeritus in Health Professions Education, Department of Health Professions Education, Stellenbosch University (ZA), highlighted the importance of integrating practical community experiences into academic learning through her presentation Bringing real-world challenges into the class room - community engaged learning for impact.

The project launch was attended virtually by over 40 participants.