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.