Department of Medicine, University of Malawi, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi; Dignitas International, Zomba, Malawi.
University of North Carolina-Project Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi.
Glob Heart. 2019 Jun;14(2):149-154. doi: 10.1016/j.gheart.2019.05.004.
Africa is experiencing an increasing prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCD). However, few reliable data are available on their true burden, main risk factors, and economic impact that are needed to inform implementation of evidence-based interventions in the local context. In Malawi, a number of initiatives have begun addressing the NCD challenge, which have often utilized existing infectious disease infrastructure. It will be crucial to carefully leverage these synergies to maximize their impact. NCD-BRITE (Building Research Capacity, Implementation, and Translation Expertise) is a transdisciplinary consortium that brings together key research institutions, the Ministry of Health, and other stakeholders to build long-term, sustainable, NCD-focused implementation research capacity. Led by University of Malawi-College of Medicine, University of North Carolina, and Dignitas International, NCD-BRITE's specific aims are to conduct detailed assessments of the burden and risk factors of common NCD; assess the research infrastructure needed to inform, implement, and evaluate NCD interventions; create a national implementation research agenda for priority NCD; and develop NCD-focused implementation research capacity through short courses, mentored research awards, and an internship placement program. The capacity-building activities are purposely designed around the University of Malawi-College of Medicine and Ministry of Health to ensure sustainability. The NCD BRITE Consortium was launched in February 2018. In year 1, we have developed NCD-focused implementation research capacity. Needs assessments will follow in years 2 and 3. Finally, in year 4, the generated research capacity, together with findings from the needs assessments, will be used to create a national, actionable, implementation research agenda for NCD prioritized in this consortium, namely cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
非洲正面临非传染性疾病（NCD）发病率不断上升的问题。然而，目前缺乏有关其真实负担、主要危险因素和经济影响的可靠数据，这些数据对于在当地背景下实施基于证据的干预措施至关重要。在马拉维，已经有一些举措开始应对 NCD 挑战，这些举措通常利用现有的传染病基础设施。谨慎利用这些协同作用来最大程度地发挥其影响力将是至关重要的。NCD-BRITE（建设研究能力、实施和转化专业知识）是一个跨学科联盟，汇集了主要的研究机构、卫生部和其他利益相关者，以建立长期、可持续的、以 NCD 为重点的实施研究能力。NCD-BRITE 由马拉维大学-医学院、北卡罗来纳大学和 Dignitas International 领导，其具体目标是对常见 NCD 的负担和危险因素进行详细评估；评估为 NCD 干预措施提供信息、实施和评估所需的研究基础设施；制定优先 NCD 的国家实施研究议程；并通过短期课程、指导研究奖和实习安置计划发展以 NCD 为重点的实施研究能力。能力建设活动是围绕马拉维大学-医学院和卫生部专门设计的，以确保可持续性。NCD BRITE 联盟于 2018 年 2 月启动。在第一年，我们已经发展了以 NCD 为重点的实施研究能力。需求评估将在第二年和第三年进行。最后，在第四年，将利用产生的研究能力和需求评估的结果，为该联盟优先考虑的 NCD 创建一个国家性、可操作性的实施研究议程，即心血管疾病、糖尿病和哮喘和慢性阻塞性肺疾病。
