A united front against chronic diseases
Chronic, non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, respiratory diseases, cancer and mental health account for 44 % of premature deaths worldwide. The majority of these diseases occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), necessitating a global commitment to increase the resources and focus on the development of new evidence for informed decision-making. The key objective of the EU-funded 'Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases' (GACD) project was to identify common approaches and best practices for fighting chronic diseases. It is the first collaboration of international research funding agencies focused on how LMICs could prevent and treat chronic diseases. The ultimate goal was to reduce illness, disability and premature death around the world. High blood pressure is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease. Building on existing knowledge, the network dealt with approaches to prevent, manage and control hypertension in LMICs. Apart from the GACD Hypertension Programme, a second GACD call was also published for funding diabetes research. The GACD gained insight into programme evaluation, carrying out interviews with researchers and funding agency representatives. The GACD disseminated general information on chronic diseases, its activities and research programmes mainly through its website. In addition, social media were used to inform the general public about chronic diseases and their prevention and mitigation. By coordinating chronic disease research funding, the GACD hopes to impact public health research policies and their implementation. As the GACD increases in membership and in the number of funded research programmes, it could serve as a model for funding bodies to join forces in pursuing other pressing global research goals.
Keywords
Chronic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension
