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Exploring approaches to prevent cardiometabolic disease

Non-communicable Diseases

The overall purpose of the Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit (NCDRU) is to formulate and apply an integrated programme of research and capacity development to improve the understanding, detection, prevention and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with a major initial focus on cardiovascular and metabolic disorders in South Africa.

Key focus areas

  • Foster greater understanding of the burden, mechanisms and determinants of NCDs
  • Develop, apply and evaluate interventions for the detection, prevention and management of NCDs
  • Address conditions and challenges that are unique to the South African environment
  • Develop and adopt new health technological approaches to NCDs
  • Translate new and existing knowledge into policy and practice, and
  • Develop research capacity and interdisciplinary collaboration and maximize the output of existing research efforts.